Diversity of butterfly pollinators in agroecosystems of Kumaun region

Abstract

This study examined the diversity, abundance and evenness of butterfly pollinators in Kumaun region, Uttarakhand from March 2019 to February 2020. A total of 394 butterflies, representing 40 species and five families were collected. Nymphalidae was the most dominant family with 19 species, followed by Pieridae (9 species), Lycaenidae (9 species), Papilionidae (2 species), and Hesperiidae (1 species), respectively. Pieris canidia indica (Evans) was the most abundant species, constituting 38.3% of the total individuals. Shannon-Wiener diversity index was observed to be maximum in Site-1 (H’=1.37) than in Site-2 (H’=1.12). Similarly, evenness was maximum in Site-1 (E=0.457), than in Site-2 (E=0.333). In addition, significant pollinator species in crops have been identified in agroecosystems.

Variations in species diversity and the role of butterflies in oil palm agroecosystems at PT BSM South Sumatra

“…This also plays a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem, enriching and preserving biodiversity [35]. Several types of butterflies found as pollinators are Ypthima baldus, Catopsilia pyranthe, Hypolimnas bolina, Papilio polytes, and Neptis hylas [36]. Butterflies aside from being pollinating agents also have other roles such as being able to add genetic variation to plants.…”