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VOL. 11, ISSUE 2 (2026)
A study on butterfly diversity of Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh: An appraisal for their conservation
Authors
Dr. Mousumi Das, Suptika Ghosh, Anubhab Kanrar, Soulima Dutta, Dr. Animesh Bose
Abstract
Butterflies are crucial for monitoring
biodiversity and environmental changes in ecological studies. A preliminary survey-based
study on the diversity and distribution pattern of butterflies was carried out
in Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra
Pradesh, India, during March, 2026. Ninety-two butterfly species from 64 genera
were recorded in five families during this study, of which ten species are
protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Nymphalidae
family was the most dominant, accounting for 44.50% of total butterflies,
36.96% of recorded species, and 35.94% of recorded genera, followed by
Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae, and Papilionidae. Common Sailer (Neptis
hylas) and Chocolate Pansy (Junonia iphita) were the most observed
butterfly followed by Common Emigrant (Catopsilia pomona), Tiny Grass
Blue (Zizula hylax). Black Rajah (Charaxes solon), Red Helen (Papilio
helenus) and Monkey Puzzle (Rathinda amor) were observed with a
minimum count. The Shannon-Wiener index, Simpson's index, Pielou’s evenness
index, and Margalef's richness index were 4.28, 0.98, 0.95, and 11.54,
respectively, indicating the area is rich in butterfly diversity with high
abundance and evenness. The highest occurrence frequency (100%) was recorded for
the Junonia iphita, Junonia lemonias, Neptis hylas, Ypthima
baldus, Melanitis leda, Catopsilia pomona, Graphium
agamemnon and Zizula hylax. The findings from this study will
contribute to a better understanding of the butterfly diversity within the
study area, highlighting the importance of habitat protection for ecological
balance and future conservation efforts.
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Pages:309-320
How to cite this article:
Dr. Mousumi Das, Suptika Ghosh, Anubhab Kanrar, Soulima Dutta, Dr. Animesh Bose "A study on butterfly diversity of Padmapuram Botanical Garden, Araku Valley, Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh: An appraisal for their conservation". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 11, Issue 2, 2026, Pages 309-320
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