BIODIVERSITY OF BUTTERFLY IN THREE HABITATS AT RAIPUR (C.G.), INDIAShilpa Mishra, Chhaya Patel, Vibha Choubey, Parmita Dubey and Richa TikarihaAbstract Diversity of butterfly is an important factor for the stability of an ecosystem. We monitored and studied the diversity and seasonal patterns in butterfly community at Raipur. Three habitats were- i) New Raipurnewly constructed area (site 1), ii) Botanical Garden of Pt.RSU (site 2), iii) Roadside area of Shankar Nagar (site 3)- which was heavily disturbed area by traffic. The study was carried out in three season- rainy, winter and summer. Species richness was highest in monsoon season whereas lowest in winter season. Study showed among three sites, the highest number of butterflies are found in site 1 whereas lowest in site 3. A total of 1913 individuals of species belonging to five families Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Hesperiidae were recorded in the survey. The relative abundance was highest for Nymphalidae (644) in site 1 and lowest for Pieridae (75) individuals. We also calculated the species richness, species abundance, ecological indices such as Shannon-Wiener index, Simpsonâs index of biodiversity etc. |