Diversity and Bio-Ecological Assets of the Northwest Himalayan Butterflies in Nalagarh Valley of Himachal Pradesh

Butterflies diversity in Himachal Pradesh is very rich and diversified, primarily due to varied climatic conditions ranging from tropical in the foothills to arctic environment in the Trans-Himalayan region. Nalagarh Valley falls in the sub-tropical zone of the Shiwalik hills and supports large scale horticulture and agriculture crops. Butterflies studies carried out in Nalagarh valley, during different seasons of the years 2005-2009 revealed the presence of 62 species of insects belonging to 46 genera and 8 families. During the course of present studies it was observed that Nymphalidae, represented by 16 species, spread over 10 genera was the largest family followed by Pieridae (14 species), Satyridae (11), Papilionidae (9) and Lycaenidae & Danaidae (4 each). Moreover, it was interesting to note that two families of butterflies viz. , Erycinidae and Hesperiidae were represented by two species each. Analysis of seasonal variation in the diversity of butterflies in different habitat of the valley revealed that maximum diversity has been recorded during pre and post monsoon periods. First peak in diversity (45 and 39 species) was recorded in spring season (April-May) and during monsoon season (July-September) when 39 and47 species of butterflies were collected. On the contrary, minimum diversity (9 and 3 species) was seen during winter months of December and January respectively. Present study of diversity and seasonal fluctuation contributes to the requirements of conservation and monitoring for climate change. As butterflies are very good bio-indicators of any disturbance in the ecosystem. So, studies on their diversity, status, seasonal fluctuation etc. shall be of great use in monitoring changes in an ecosystem especially due to habitat degradation, deforestation and organic and inorganic pollution.