Short Notes on The Diversity of Butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera) at Selected Residential Areas in Sematan, South-Western Sarawak

Abstract

Diversity and abundance of butterflies in Sematan area of South-Western Sarawak are studied. In Borneo, 944 different species of butterflies have been documented. In tropical countries, butterflies are essential for monitoring ecological pollination, part of food chain development, temperature change and the degradation of the environment. The study was carried out in order to better understand the presence and variety of butterflies in residential areas at Sematan. The natural vegetation of the area consists of shrubs, herbs, grasses, and tall trees such as Family Malvaceae. Aerial scoop nets were used for the collection in eight residential areas in Sematan. A total of 515 specimens belonging to 63 genera and six families were identified. The family Nymphalidae is the most abundant with 35 genera and 61 species. The family Nymphalidae has the highest Shannon-Wiener Index at 2.63 and the Simpson Diversity Index of 0.92. Nymphalidae are significant in abundance and common species widely distributed in the lower elevation of coastal areas. The occurrence of available adult plant resources and larval host plants contributed to the high diversity of Nymphalidae butterflies. Findings from this study are hoped to contribute to the existing data collection of butterflies especially in Sematan, and for future management and conservation of the native butterflies in Sematan.