International Journal of Entomology Research

Authors
Avtar kaur Sidhu, Gurinder Kaur Walia, Jyoti Mahil

Abstract
Butterflies diversity is rich in Himachal Pradesh due to varied altitudes and consequently the climatic conditions. Butterflies are also one of the most beautiful insects that also play an important role in sustaining environmental health as they are plant pollinators. Their sensitivity to environmental makes them indicator species for a variety of climates and habitat types. Butterflies are poikilothermic and hibernate in winter in pupal/larval/egg/adult stage. Only the hard species can survive in the winter temperatures. The present study has been conducted in the Hamirpur District of Himachal Pradesh on the abundance of butterfly fauna in winter season. A total of 16 species were recorded at low temperatures and humidity belonging to 3 families i.e. Nymphalidae 50%> Lycaenidae 37.5%> Pieridae 12.5%. 8 species of Nymphalidae, 6 species of Lycaenidae and 2 species of Pieridae were recorded. The minimum temperature and humidity noted was 3°C and 51% and the maximum temperature and humidity noted was 17°C and67% respectively. The most common species observed were Junonia lemonias, Melanitis leda, Eurema hecabe and Pieris canidia.