Research Article Open Access

ASSESSMENT OF TEMPORAL & SPATIAL VARIATION IN SPECIES RICHNESS AND DIVERSITY OF BUTTERFLY HOST PLANTS

Abstract

The study was conducted to identify and record the local butterfly host plant species thriving around the University Campus. Quadrat method of sampling was utilized in the study at 2 sites (an Undisturbed and a Disturbed), at three seasons Monsoon, winter, and summer. The parameters studied were frequency, density, abundance, IVI etc. On the basis of IVI values Tridax procumbens and Cassia occidentalis were the most dominant host plants throughout the year. Species diversity and species richness were calculated. It was observed that at undisturbed site species diversity was more than the other one. Highest species diversity was recorded in monsoon season. The observations support the value of native plants as important butterfly host plants. 21 hostplants species distributed in 13 families were recorded and maximum number of butterflies host plant were members of Asteraceae. We suggest that native species should be protected and their regeneration should be promoted. In our study area Tridax procumbens and Sida acuta were such species. Sustenance of these type of species will correspondingly help in conservation of butterflies as well as in maintaining the community composition and will be of importance in biodiversity conservation.

Arpita P. Patel and Neeta R. Pandya

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