International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Rutuja Bhatade, Amol Patwardhan, PN Kurve

Abstract
Butterfly mud puddling is a complex process which involves various factors. Present study deals about analysis of the abiotic factors that can have probable positive influence on puddling. Areas like Yeoor, Nagla and Conservation Education Centre (Bombay Natural History Society) of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnala Sanctuary, Matheran were visited (n = 21) in 2016 and 2017. Various abiotic factors were analysed like air temperature (avg. 30.21˚C), soil temperature (avg. 26.16°C), relative humidity (avg. 76.38%), temperature gradient between soil and air (avg. 4.05°C), soil pH (avg. 6.84), soil moisture (avg. 33.06%), sodium (avg. 0.54%), total nitrogen (0.19%). The different soil types recorded were – clay, sandy-clay loam, sandy clay, clay loam, sandy loam, loamy sand and loam.