Butterfly Species Diversity, Habitats and Seasonal Distribution in and Around Nagpur City, Central India

2 Abstract: Total 145 species of butterflies were recorded at the eight study sites, of which 62 species were new records for the Nagpur city. The highest number of butterflies was recorded belonging to the Nymphalidae (51 species) with 17 new records, followed by Lycaenidae (46 species) with 29 new records, Hesperiidae (22 species) with 14 new records, Pieridae (17 species) with 4 new records and Papilionidae (9 species). This study revealed that Nymphalidae was most dominating family with a highest number of species in 6 out of 8 sites. The highest number of butterfly species (104) was recorded at site-5 (Ambazari garden and bare land at Lake Side) followed by 98 at site-1 (Seminary hills), 95 at site-2 (Satpuda botanical garden), 90 at site-6 (sides of National Highway), 84 at site- 3 (Bull rearing center), 72 species at site-8 (Futala farm), 69 species at site- 4 (RTM Nagpur University and LIT Campuses) and 50 species at site-7 (Maharaja Bag). Most butterfly species were observed from the monsoon (hot/wet season) to early winter (cool/wet season) but thereafter declined in early summer (March). Among the 145 butterflies recorded, 24 species come under the protection category as per the Indian Wild Life protection Act 1972.