Butterfly diversity in relation to host and nectar food plants in TNAU Botanical Garden, Coimbatore

Abstract

Aim: The present study was undertaken to assess the food resources and butterfly diversity in Botanical Garden, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Methodology: The survey was conducted in targeted locality from September 2015 - October 2019 and butterflies sightings were recorded using a digital camera (Nikon D7200 with kit lens 18-105 mm, Tamron 200-300 apo dg macro lens). Results: Total 95 species of butterflies were recorded in the garden. Among all families, the highest count was observed in Nymphalidae family followed by Lycaenidae (29 species), Pieridae (15 species), Hesperiidae (10 species) and Papilionidae (11 species). The relative diversity of Nymphalidae (31.57 %) and Lycaenidae (30.52 %) were higher. For Pieridae, RD value accounted for 15.78 % and 11.57 % for Papilionidae. RD value was least for Hesperiidae family (10.52 %). Out of 95 butterflies, the host plants of 88 butterflies were present in the garden itself. Fifteen nectar plants belonging to eleven families were most preferred nectar sources. Interpretation: The present study gives information of butterfly and its food plant diversity in the garden. The obtained information will help in planting additional host and nectar plant resources to attract rare species. It also sheds light on the importance of survival of prominent nectar plants throughout the year for maintaining the butterfly abundance in garden.