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INTRODUCTION

Biodiversity is the foundation of ecosystem services to which human

well being is intimately linked. No feature of Earth is more complex,

dynamic and varied than the layer of living organisms that occupy its

surfaces and seas, and no feature is experiencing more dramatic change at

the hands of humans than this extraordinary, singularly unique feature of

earth. Biodiversity means the variability among living organisms from all

sources and the ecological complexes of which they are part. This includes

diversity within species, between species and of ecosystems.

In spite of many tools and data sources, biodiversity remains difficult

to quantify precisely. The world is currently facing its greatest ever

biodiversity crisis. Wildlife is becoming extinct because of habitat loss, over

grazing, over hunting, pollution and over population. So precise answer are

seldom needed to devise an effective understanding of where biodiversity is,

how it is changing over space and time, the drivers responsible for such

change, the consequences of such change for ecosystem services and human

well-being, and the response options available. Biodiversity study is one of

the important corner stone of sustainable development. Ideally, to assess the

conditions and trends of biodiversity either globally or sub globally, it is

necessary to measure the abundance of all organisms over space and time,

using taxonomy, functional traits, and the interaction among species that

affect their dynamics and function.

India is the seventh largest country in the world and Asia second

largest nation. Biogeographically India is situated at the tri junction of three

realms namely Afro-tropical, Indo Malayan and Pale arctic realms and this

assemblage of three distinct realms makes the country rich and unique in

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biological diversity. India is located in south Asia, between latitudes 60 and

380 N and Longitudes 69

0 and 97

0 E. The Indian landmass extending over

the total geographical area of about 3029 million hectares. The wide variety

in physical features and climatic situation has resulted in a diversity of

ecological habitats. The richness in biodiversity is due to immense variety of

climatic and altitudinal conditions coupled with varied ecological habitats.

India having vast geographical area is quite rich in biodiversity with a

sizable percentage of endemic flora and fauna. India is the world’s sixth

richest nation in terms of biodiversity. From the rain forest of north east

India to frozen frontiers of the Himalayas from the deserts of the Great Rann

of Kutch to the thorny, dry deciduous forest and grasslands of Central India

and evergreen forest of Western Ghats in south India to moist deciduous

forest to central India Madhya Pradesh. Such diversity of habitats not only

supports wildlife but also rich natural resources.

The Narmada River, hemmed between vindya and Satpuda ranges

extends over an area of 98,796 km2. Lies between east longitudes 72 degrees

32,

to 81 degrees 45’ and north latitudes 21 degrees 20’ to 23 degrees 45’

lying on the northern extremity of the Deccan Plateau. The Narmada also

called the Rewa, is a river in central India and the fifth longest river in the

Indian subcontinent. It is the third longest river that flows entirely within

India, after Godavari and Krishna. It is also known as “Life Line of Madhya

Pradesh” for its huge contribution.

In India about 1, 15,000 species of plants and animals have been

identified and described. The animals of the lower order are very sensitive to

the environmental degradation. They act as a weathercock for the impending

environment and ecological calamities. Conservation of all animals in the

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ecosystem, be them mega species like elephant and tiger or small beautiful

creature like butterflies, is equally important.

The importance of invertebrates in ecological processes and its living

resource of benefit to man should not be underestimated. Invertebrates are

major components of food chain. Insect plays a vital role in the pollination

of many wild as well as cultivated plants. Documentation of biodiversity is

basic need for management planning for conservation. Population of short

lived organisms such as butterfly is excellent indicator of biodiversity and

ecosystem health.

Butterflies and Moths are the insects to which budding entomologists

are first attracted, undoubtedly because of their beautiful coloration and

increasing patterns. Butterflies and Moths belong to order Lepidoptera of

class Insects which is a division of the phylum Arthropod.

Butterflies probably came into existence about 150 million years ago

at about the same time as flowering plants. It is likely that there has been a

constant co-evolution between wild plants and butterflies. There is an

intimate association between butterflies and plants and their lives are

inextricably linked. Wild plants have always co-evolved with insects.

Colorful wild flowers are not pollinated unless they attract and use the

services of insects. Distribution of butterflies is heavily dependent upon the

availability of their food plants. Butterflies visit plants for four important

reasons, to drink nectar, to lay their eggs and to hide away from bad weather

or predators.

Nectar is an important food source of adult butterflies. A single food

source of butterflies, nectar from flowers, has attracted most of the

researchers. This association between butterflies and flowering plants is

mutualistic. The plant is pollinated and the butterflies get their food from the

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plant. Butterflies transfer pollen grains from one plant to another when they

visit to flowers. Larger number of butterflies also fed on other sources of

food, like tree sap, rotting fruits, rotting animals, animal’s droppings etc. For

many butterflies, drinking at wet soil patches is an important feeding

activity. This habit may be connected with salt requirement.

Butterflies are the most beautiful and colorful creatures on the earth

and have a great aesthetic value. Butterflies are also good indicators of

environmental changes as they are sensitive and are directly affected by

changes in the habitats, atmospheric temperature and the whether conditions.

Like distribution the survival of butterflies also depends on the availability

of the larval food plants, which are generally consisting of trees, shrubs,

creepers, saplings etc. Butterflies are one of the most important food chain

components for the spiders, reptiles and birds. Caterpillars of different

butterflies feed on a large number of plant species. However, in majority of

species their food is fundamentally the same mainly leaves. There is a strict

preference for specific host plants. These strict preferences are dictated by

the chemical compositions of the plants that the caterpillar eats.

Butterflies in Madhya Pradesh are scarcely reported and published. In

the recent past, several workers have studied butterflies from some districts

and conservation areas of Madhya Pradesh (Singh, 1997; Gupta 1987;

Chandra et al 2002) .The compilation of all these studies stray records

resulted in enumeration of 174 species/subspecies belonging to 100 genera

spread over eight families.

This study of butterflies in the areas of khargone and khandwa district

of Madhya Pradesh is important, because both districts are gifted with river

Narmada and Dams. Type of forest from this area is mostly Dry deciduous

and some where semi evergreen type. The temperature in summer of this

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area is very high except some places .The floral diversity of this area is quite

rich. So the study of the habitat association of butterflies and documenting

biodiversity of butterflies from this area is interesting topic.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

The order Lepidoptera is divided in to the butterflies and moths (sub

order Rhopalocera for butterflies and sub order Heterocera for moths). Sub

order Rhopalocera of the Lepidoptera is identified having one of the

principal characteristics of butterflies that they have clubbed antennae.

Rhopa is Greek word for a club. Lepidoptera is the second largest order

among insects and is about 1, 15,000 species known to literature, from this

17,820 are butterflies probably many more yet to be discovered or named.

Out of which 1641 species of butterfly harbors to India roughly

10.50% of the world total count (Varshney, 2006). Traditional method of

deriving species richness by collecting and counting all the species in an

area required much time, efforts and resources. Hence such studies have not

been carried out in India let back.

Indian butterflies study in history is more than 225 year old. Faunistic

explorations by subsequent workers like Moore (1881); Marshall and de

Niceville (1883); Evans (1932); has contributed much to our knowledge of

these insects. During (1939 to 1947); Talbot published two volumes on

butterflies on the fauna of British India series viz. butterflies, vol. I and vol.

II. “Butterflies of the Indian Region”, published by Wynter-Blyth (1957);

Studies on the butterflies of central India dates back to Forsayeth

(1884); Swinhoe (1886); Betham (1891); and Kunte (2000); listed 271

species of butterflies from Peninsular India. Butterflies and moth is the vast

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group come under order Lepidoptera. Butterflies for a long time have been

the subject of interest to both amateurs and professionals (Brinckerhoff and

sabido, 2000, Santiapillai, 1999, Larsen, 1996, Morris et al 1991). Studies

have shown that butterflies have continued to play a major role in many

areas of scientific research (persons, 1992, Larsen 1996, Morris et al, 1999).

Larsen (1992); points out five areas of scientific discoveries that have

resulted from butterfly research. These are; chemical communication among

came from studies on butterflies and moths and some of the data proved

valuable in devising pest control strategies Butterflies have been used in

population dynamic. Butterflies have been used in studying evolution of

plants by co-evolution of insects. As such plants have evolved new and more

toxic deterrents and butterfly larvae have become increasingly adopted at

overcoming them.

Butterflies have been found to be vital geographical and ecological

indicators; they form communities which are specific to each of the

geographical sub-regions and to different types of ecological conditions.

Butterflies are also vital in plant pollination, monitoring environmental

effects when using chemicals to control pests, and in identifying key areas

for conservation (Morris et al, 1991).

On the other hand butterflies have extensively been used in the social

life such as raising funds for street children. In the handcraft industry,

butterfly wings have over a long time been used in decorations (Parsons,

1992). Butterflies have also been instrumental in the conservation of

tropical forests, development and promotion of rural economies through eco-

tourism and butterfly farming (Parsons, 1992, Santiapillai, 1999).

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In recent past several workers have studied butterfly fauna from some

districts and conservation areas of Madhya Pradesh (Chaudhary, 1995;

Chandra et al. 2000 a, b, 2002; Singh and Chandra, 2002; Siddiqui and

Singh, 2004; Chandra, 2006; Wadatkar, 2004).

HABITAT STUDY

To collect knowledge of any organism most important is to know in

which environment they live several records have been gathered by some

workers which throw light on habitat of butterflies. Larsen (1986a); studied

a dry season aggregation of Danaine butterflies. Devaries et al. (1992);

studied ant association of ninety eighty Riodinid butterflies with 37 plant

families. Corbet (2000); studied the butterfly nectarine flowers butterfly

morphology and flower form. Reid and Culin (2002); observed the effects of

color pattern arrangement and size of color mass on butterfly visitation in

Zinnia elegans. Willmott and Mallet (2004);Studied correlation between

adult mimicry and larval host plant in Ithomiine butterflies. Tillberg and

Breed (2004); examined the co-extinction of tropical butterflies and their

host plants.

Atluri et al., (2004); examine the life history parameters and larval

performance of some South Indian butterfly species. Tiple et al., (2007)

studied the butterfly diversity in relation to human impact gradient on an

Indian University Campus.

Reddy and Subba Reddy (1995); Found pollination of

Celerodendrum infortunatum by butterflies. Kunte (1999); founded the

correlation between the butterfly species and plant species. Again Kunte

(2005); studied the species composition, sex ratio, and movement pattern in

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Danaine butterflies. Anup and Palot (2007): reported new food plant of two

butterfly.

BIODIVERSITY STUDY

Bhalodia et al (2002); studied the butterflies of Vansda National park

Gujarath. Thakur et al. (2002); worked on butterflies of Kalaop Khajjiar

wildlife sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. Palot and Soniya (2003); recorded 48

species of butterflies from Maharashtra. Borkar and Komarpont (2004); have

work on habitat association of butterfly species in Bondla wildlife sanctuary

of Goa. Some amateur wild life persons and butterfly watchers reported new

species of butterflies from different protected areas in central India.

Host plant of larval stages and adults

Larval stages of butterflies are very specific in their feeding habits.

Butterfly larvae recognize their host plants containing certain aromatic

vegetable oils. Apte (1998); reported Ficus hispada as a new food plant of

common Chilasa clytia dissimilis. Arvind (2005); worked on Ficus pumila

as a new host plant of commen Crow butterfly.

Butterflies have fascinated several entomologists, amateur workers

and NGO’s, who have described the habitats, life cycles, occurrence and

diversity of butterflies from various parts of India. (Arun 2003; Arun et al.

2003; Athuri et al. 1999; 2001; 2002; 2004, Bhalodia et al. 2002a; b; c;,

Chaturvedi 1994; 1999; 2001, Chaturvedi et al. 1993; 2001, Palot et al.

2000; 2001; 2002, 2003 a; b, Singh et al. 2007.

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Some field guides, books and other literature also useful to study and

identification of the butterflies (Antaram 1986; Clausen 1985, Kehimkar

1997; 2000; 2006; Mani 1986; 2006, Nelson 2004, Wood 1994).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

As a part of study on the biodiversity and habitat association of

butterflies near the Narmada river bank from Omkareshwar to Maheshwar,

and Mandleshwar the present study was carried out during January 2011 to

December 2013. The selected habitats in protected and non protected areas

were visited and some of the representative areas were selected for habitat

association study.

STUDY AREA

Narmada river bank from Omkareshwar to Maheshwar comes

under Khargone and Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh of central India.

This area is characterized by steep ridges, narrow valleys and deep groves.

The hill regions are well forested; upper, middle and lower plains are broad

and fertile areas, well suited for cultivation. The area is covered with

agriculture and main crops are Gossypium hirsutum, Capsicum annuum ect.

Some places were habitat by human life style.

Omkareshwar

Coordinates 22˚151 N and76.8˚48 E

Omkareshwar is a Hindu temple in the Khandwa district of Madhya Pradesh

state in India. It is on Island called Mandhata or Shivapuri in the Narmada

River. It is one of the 12 revered jyotirlinga shrines of Shiva. It is about 12

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miles (20 km) from Mortakka in Madhya Pradesh. The shape of the island is

said to be like the Hindu Om symbol.

Mandleshwar

Coordinates 22.8˚ N 75.67˚E

Mandleshwar is a town and a Nagar Panchayat in Khargone district in the

Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. It is a town of historical and religious

importance situated on the banks of Narmada River, 8 km east of

Maheshwar and 99 km south of Indore.

Maheshwar

Coordinates 21˚06N 75˚16˚E/21.10˚N 75.27˚E

Maheshwar is a town in Khargone district of Madhya Pradesh state, in

central India. It is located 13 km east of National Highway 3 (Arga-Mumbai

Highway) and 91 km from Indore, the commercial capital of the state. The

town lies on the north bank of the Narmada River.

Methodology

Selected areas are visited regularly twice in a month for 3-5 days. In

addition to regular visits, studies were also carried out during Pugmark

census and waterhole census, trekking and mountaineering expeditions as

well as various surveys in study areas i.e. Education surveys, save girls life

surveys, bird survey etc. and other programs like nature camps, awareness

camps, medical camps etc. During these programs butterflies and habitat

studies were also carried out.

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Butterfly species diversity:

During field trips the butterfly diversity was studied from each area with the

help of following methods.

1. Visual observation and identification

2. Photographic evidences

3. Capture and release method

4. Collection and preservation method (Outside the protected area)

1) Visual observation and identification

During field visits in different forest areas, visual observations were

done by walking in different types of forest e.g. along road side, dense forest

along rivers and streams, valleys, grass lands, shrub forest and around

human habitat and forest rest houses. Approximate 1 km walking for one

direction, but not necessarily in straight line was made and during walking,

species of butterflies were noted. Observations were done at a distance of 1

to 3 meter and identified by observing morphological features. Unidentified

species were photographed and then identified later on with the help of

references.

2) Photographic evidences

For all butterflies, photographic method was used for identification.

Nikon coolpix L120 Digital camera (21 xs; Zoom and 14.1 megapixels) was

used for capturing images of butterflies. Close up lenses were also used for

small sized butterflies, Ultra violet (UV) filter glass was also used to avoided

unwanted rays to protect natural color of butterflies. Photographic images

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were examined carefully and identified with the help of various field guides

and references.

3) Capture and release method

When butterfly was unidentified or new to me and difficult to identify

by visual observation, they were captured with the help of insect net

carefully, transferred to plastic transparent box and then identified with the

help of various field guides and references. If identification of captured

butterflies was not possible in field, then photograph were taken in capture

condition and identification was done later on. After identification, butterfly

was released in the same habitat.

4) Collection and preservation method

Butterfly specimens were collected with the help of insect collecting

net from outside the protected area. As a conservation policy, collection of

butterflies was avoided in protected area. Collected specimens were spread

over insect spreading board and preserved in field collection box.

Measurements were taken with the help of scale and venire caliper.

Collected specimens were examined carefully and identified with the help of

various field guides and references.

Morphological study of Butterflies

Collected and preserved butterfly specimens were morphologically

studied with the help of their size, shape, and color and colored markings on

wings. Body size and wing span were measured by Venire caliper.

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Description of butterflies noted to study the pattern of flight, color and

colored markings on wings, body color and body scale pattern.

Photographic images and collected specimens were examined

carefully. Identification was made by using existing literature (Wynter

Blyth, 1957; Talbot, 1975; Gey et al., 1992; Haribal, 1992; Kunte, 2000. All

scientific names follow Varshney (1979, 1985, and 1990) and classification

with common English names is after Wynter-Blyth (1957).

Study of the status:

The status of the butterflies in particular area was calculated by

counting number of butterflies by one-hour method. The number of

butterflies is based on the sightings, counting was done up to one hour or up

to 50 numbers of single species. Some time butterflies number calculated

from 3-4 visit in one area. Status of butterfly species were categorized into

VC - very common (75% - 100%); C - common (50-75% sightings); NR-

not rare (25% –50%); R- rare (5%-25%), VR- very rare (Single sighting to

5%) and LC – Locally Common (Which is commonly found only in

particular area).

Host plant and Nectar Plant study (Floral Study):

Host plants and nectar plants of butterflies were also recorded by visual

observations. Host plants were recorded during laying eggs of butterflies or

by searching the eggs or caterpillars of butterflies. Host plants were recorded

and listed from study area.

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Nectar host plants were recorded according to the visit of butterflies on

flower and taking nectar from that flower. The plants were identified with

the help of books and standard experts.

OBSERVATION AND RESULTS

Butterflies are mainly day-flying insects of the order Lepidoptera.

Like other holometabolous insects, the butterfly’s life cycle consist of four

parts egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Most species are diurnal. Butterflies have

large, often brightly colored wings, and conspicuous, fluttering flight. The

present study of “biodiversity and habitat association of butterflies near the

Narmada river bank of Omkareshwar to Maheshwar” was carried out during

February 2011 to December 2013, in selected study areas of central Madhya

Pradesh. After completion of the field survey from study areas, the data of

all surveys from all the regions were compiled and scientific checklist of

butterflies is prepared for each of the area. The results are given in table.

83 species of butterflies belonging to 08 families and 19 subfamilies

of suborder Rhopalocera and Grypocera of the Order Lepidoptera are

recorded. Total 40 species are common to all the areas and 43 species are

common to all human habitat. Out of all, Lambrix salsala, Spindasissyama

peguanus, Mycalesis malsara are very rare butterfly, and not easily founded

on other hand Papilio polytescr and Danaus chrysippus are very common

even founded during hot noon time also.

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Table 1.1 Checklist of Butterflies from OMKARESHWAR,

MAHESHWAR & MANDLESHWAR REGION

Sr.

No

Common Name Scientific Name

A. Suborder : Rhopalocera

Family : PAPILIONIDAE

1. Subfamily : Papilioninae

1 Common Mormon Papilio polytes Cr.

2 Lime Butterfly Papilio demoleus L.

3 Common Mime Papilio clytia L.

4 Common Rose Pachliopta arstolochiae F.

5 Malabar Rose Pachliopta pandiyan M.

6 Tailed Jay Graphium Agamemnon L.

7 Common Jay Graphium doson Fd.

8 Common Bluebottle Graphium sarpedon L.

II. Family : PIERIDAE

1. Subfamily : Pierinae

9 Common Jezebel Delis eucharis Dry.

10 Common Gull Cepora nerissa F.

11 Pioneer Anaphaeis aurota F.

12 Common Albatross Appis albina darada Fd.

13 White Orange Tip Ixias Marianne Cr.

14 Yellow Orange Tip Ixias pyrene L.

15 Crimson Tip Calotis danae F.

16 Common Wanderer Pareronia valeria Cra.

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2. Subfamily : Colladinae

17 Lemon Emigrant Catopsilia crocale Pomona F.

18 Mottled Emigrant Catopsilia pyranthe L.

19 Small Grass Yellow Eurema brigitta rubella Wallace

20 Common Grass Yellow Eurema hecabe L.

21 Threespot Grass Yellow Eurema blanda silhetana Wallace

III. Family : DANAIDAE

1. Subfamily : Danainae

22 Plain Tiger Danaus chrysippus L.

23 Common Tiger Danaus genutia Cr.

24 Blue Tiger Tirumala limniace

25 Glassy Tiger Parantica aglea

2. Subfamily : Euploeinae

26 Common Indian Crow Euploea core Cr.

IV. Family : SATYRIDAE

1. Subfamily : Satyrinae

27 Comm. Evening Brown Melanitis leda ismeme Cr.

28 Common Bushbrown Mycalesis perseus F.

29 Dark-Brand Bushbrown Mycalesis mineus L.

30 White-line Bushbrown Mycalesis malsara M.

31 Tamil Bushbrowm Mycalesis Visala subdita M.

32 Common Treebrown Lethe rohria F.

33 Bamboo Treebrown Lethe europa F.

34 Common Three -ring Ypthima asterope mahratta M.

35 Common Four- ring Ypthima ceylonica huebneri Kirby.

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V. Family : NYMPHALIDAE

1. Subfamily : Biblidinae

36 Joker Byblia ilithyia Dry.

37 Common Castor Ariadne merione Cr.

38 Angled Castor Ariadne ariadne L.

2. Subfamily : Agrynninae

39 Common Leopard Phalanta phalantha Dry.

3. Subfamily : Nymphalinae

40 Painted Lady Cynthia cardui L.

41 Lemon Pansy Junonia lemonias L.

42 Grey Pansy Junonia atlited L.

43 Peacock Pansy Junonia almana L.

44 Danaid Eggfly Hypolamnas misippus L.

45 Great Eggfly Hypolamnas bolina L.

46 Orange Oak Leaf Kallima inachus Bdv.

4. Subfamily : Limenitidinae

47 Baronet Euthalia nais Forst

48 Baron Euthalia aconthea Cr.

49 Commander Moduza procris procris Cr.

50 Common Sailer Neptis hylas varmona L.

51 Common Sergeant Parathyma perius Linn

52 Orange Staff Sergeant Parathyma cama Moore

5. Subfamily : Charaxinae

53 Common Nawab Polyura athamas Dry

54 Black Rajah Charaxes fabius F.

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6. Subfamily : Acraeinae

55 Tawny Coster Acraea violae F.

VI. Family : RIODINIDAE

1. Subfamily : Riodininae

56 Plum Judy Abisara echerius Stoll.

VII. Family : LYCAENIDAE

1. Subfamily : Polyommatinae

57 Tiny Grass Blue Zizula hylax F.

58 Grass Jewel Freyeria trochylus Freyer

59 Lesser Grass Blue Zizinia otis F.

60 Pale Grass Blue Pseudozizeeria maha Koll

61 African Babul Blue Azanus jesous (Guerin)

62 Common Hedge Blue Calastrina puspa Moore

63 Plains Cupid Chilades pandava

64 Small Cupid Chilades parrhasius

65 Dark Caerulean Jamides bochus Cr.

66 Common Caerulean Jamides celeno Cr.

67 Dark Pierrot Taracus ananda DeN

68 Common Pierrot Castalius rosimon (F)

69 Common Lineblue Prosotas nora C & R Felder

70 Tailless Lineblue Prosotas dubiosa sivoka Evans

2. Subfamily : Aphnaeinae

71 Common Silverline Spindasis vulcanus F.

72 Club Silverline Spindasis syama Peguanus M.

3. Subfamily : Theclinae

73 Indian Red Flash Rapala jarbus Fab.

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74 Large Oak Blue Arhopala amantes Hew.

B. Suborder : Grypocera

VIII. Family : HESPERIIDAE

1. Subfamily : Coeliadinae

75 Brown Awl Badamia exclamationis F.

76 Common Banded Awl Hasora chromus Car

2. Subfamily : Pyrginae

77 Common spotted Flat Celaenorrhinus leucocera Koll.

78 Indian Skipper Spialia galba F.

79 Golden Angle Odontoptilum ransonnetti C & R

Felder

3. Subfamily : Hesperiinae

80 Indian Palm Bob Suastus gremius F.

81 Dark Palm Dart Telicota ancilla Mabille

82 Common Dart Potanthus pseudomaesa

83 Common Dartlet Oriens gola Moore

DISCUSSION

A detail survey of butterflies in different 3 habitats from Narmada was

carried out during February 2011to December 2013. 83 butterflies from 8

families are recorded. During survey the larval as well as adult host plants of

the butterflies were also observed and noted.

Oriental landscapes are increasingly dominated by human land use

systems and natural forest cover is decreasing rapidly in India in general and

in central India in particular. The present work embodies the diversity of

butterflies in Narmada region in selected 3 ecosystems distributed all over

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near primary forest, agroforesty and rivers and streams in the Narmada. Both

butterfly species richness and abundance are seemed to be significantly

affected by habitat related modification. Narmada region has an extremely

diverse terrain, climate and vegetation, which comprises extremes of heat

and cold of low lying plains and the highest mountains, of dryness and

dampness, widely varying flora related to sharply marked seasons.

The present results are clearly indicating that the butterflies in

Narmada region prefer grass lands, dry deciduous forest and river rime

ecosystems the most. However, logged areas are least preferred by them.

The present results also showed that agroforestry systems, containing

remnants of natural forest and a mixed forest had to sustain high site

richness. Butterfly species diversity was observed to increase from mixed

forest to dry deciduous forest and then to grass land, through river rime

ecosystem. The distribution pattern observed in Narmada clearly indicates

that the ecoresources for butterflies are not uniformly distributed in Narmada

and further plant species does not satisfactorily explain the butterfly species

diversity. However, larval host plants relation including grasses do affect the

diversity of butterflies in Narmada. Further the nectar host plant having

flowers of composite inflorescence also have a major impact on butterfly

diversity in Narmada. Therefore, the abundance of larval host plant species

with rich nectar bearing flowers can predict the species richness in a

particular region of Narmada. The physical parameter particularly sunlight

also plays an important role in diversity and abundance of butterflies e.g. in

dense forest with tall trees there in abundance of shade loving butterflies like

Melanitis leda, Melanitis phedima, Mycalesis perseus, Mycalesis mineus,

Mycalesis malsara, Mycalesis subdita, Lethe rohria, Lethe europa, Lethe

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confuse. Grass lands and dry deciduous forest provide ample sunlight and

these two habitats are suitable for rich butterfly diversity.