Ypthima Avanta Moore (Lepidoptera: Satyridae) -A New Addition to the Butterfly Fauna of Achanakmar -Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve

Abstract

Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (A-A BR) is the 14th Biosphere Reserve of the country. It is an interstate biosphere comprises major part of Bilaspur district of Chhattisgarh and with part Anuppur and Dindori districts of Madhya Pradesh states. The Biosphere Reserve is a paradise of faunal and floral diversity. Recent survey made during the rainy season in Amarkantak range under Anuppur Forest Division of Madhya Pradesh, the buffer zone of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve revealed the occurrence of 12 species of butterflies (six species belong to family Nymphalidae, two species belong to family Pieridae, one species belongs to family Danaidae, Erycinidae, Hesperiidae and Satyridae). Among the butterflies collected, Ypthima avanta Moore (Lepidoptera : Satyridae) is a new addition to the insect faunal composition of butterflies in Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.