Butterflies are ecologically significant insects that serve as pollinators, prey species, and bioindicators of environmental health. To establish baseline data on butterfly diversity in semi‑urban habitats, a systematic survey was conducted at the Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU) campus and the adjacent Vidhyanagar area in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India. The study spanned one week (30 August–6 September 2025) and employed stratified sampling across eight habitat divisions. Surveys were carried out twice daily using visual encounter methods and photographic documentation. A total of 489 individuals representing 67 species across five families were recorded. The family Nymphalidae contributed the highest species richness and abundance, followed by Lycaenidae and Pieridae, while Papilionidae and Hesperiidae were less represented but ecologically important. Diversity indices revealed a Shannon Index (H′) of 4.1562, indicating high diversity, and a Pielou’s Evenness Index (J′) of 0.9816, reflecting a very even distribution of species. The balanced representation across families suggests that the MKBU campus provides heterogeneous microhabitats capable of sustaining diverse butterfly guilds. These findings underscore the ecological value of semi‑urban green spaces as biodiversity refuges amidst rapid urbanization. The baseline data generated here can inform long‑term ecological monitoring, habitat management, and conservation planning in Gujarat. By documenting species diversity and abundance, this study highlights the role of university campuses and urban green matrices in supporting pollinator communities and maintaining ecosystem resilience.