ASSESSMENT OF WINGED JEWELS IN SELECTED AREAS OF VISAKHAPATNAM, INDIAM. Padmaja, Sanjana R., K. Praytusha, Swathi Dash, Aman Raj and M. Kiranmai ReddyAbstract Butterflies are called as âwinged jewelsâ due to their sparkling and vibrating appearance. They were considered to be biodiversity indicators due to their major role at the base level of the food chain. Due to increase in population and expansion of urban sectors there could be severe threat to richness to these winged jewels. The aim of the present study was to carry out diversity and abundance of the butterfly population in the City of Visakhapatnam. Two green patches of the study area (Indira Gandhi Zoological Park, Kailasagiri Park) were selected to identify butterfly species. A total of 62 species of 5 families were recorded. Family Nymphalidae recorded highest of 22 species were found followed by Lycaenidae (15), Pieridae (15), Papilionidae (7) and Hesperiidae with three species. A seasonal variation among the butterfly population was observed. Post monsoon was found to be good season for the abundance and richness of butterflyâs population compared to pre monsoon season. |