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VOL. 10, ISSUE 10 (2025)
A report on Butterfly (Order: Lepidoptera) diversity and Plant – interaction dynamics across urban – Semiurban Landscapes of Chittaranjan and Hindustan Cables, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India
Authors
Setwasri Kundu, Sagata Mondal
Abstract
Urban and semiurban green spaces represent
vital refuges for pollinators within human-dominated landscapes. The present
study documented butterfly diversity and their plant associations across
Chittaranjan (CRJ) and Hindustan Cables (HCL), Paschim Bardhaman district, West
Bengal, India, over an 8-month survey (February–September 2025). A total of 86
butterfly species belonging to 65 genera and 6 families were recorded.
Nymphalidae emerged as the most dominant family (38.4%), followed by Lycaenidae
(19.7%) and Pieridae (16.3%). While the highest abundance was observed in Eurema
hecabe (4.7%). Diversity indices indicated high heterogeneity:
Shannon-Weiner diversity Index (1.568), Simpson’s Index of Diversity (0.88) and
Pielou’s Evenness Index (0.76). Floral associations highlighted strong
nectaring preferences for Tridax procumbens, Gomphrena globosa
and Ixora coccinea, while puddling behavior was frequent in Graphium
sarpedon, Jamides celeno and Doleschallia bisaltide. The
study documented 13 species legally protected under the Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, including 5 species on Schedule I. The study
demonstrated that urban – semiurban green spaces can serve as critical
biodiversity refuges and conservation hotspots, underscoring the urgent need for
their protection within industrial landscapes.
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Pages:13-24
How to cite this article:
Setwasri Kundu, Sagata Mondal "A report on Butterfly (Order: Lepidoptera) diversity and Plant – interaction dynamics across urban – Semiurban Landscapes of Chittaranjan and Hindustan Cables, Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 10, 2025, Pages 13-24
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