Abstract

The diversity of butterflies inhabiting the department of atomic energy campus at Kalpakkam was recorded through a modified line transect methodology by setting a permanent line transect of 300 m and recoding all species of butterflies observed within a five meter distance around the observer. Five habitats within the campus viz., Garden, Scrub jungle, Riparian woods, Sandy area and Casuarina plantation (Monoculture) were evaluated for analysis of the association of the butterfly species with the habitat. A total of 1908 individuals representing 55 species were observed across the five habitat types. Out of these, members belonging to the family Nymphalidae was the most common with 20 species being recorded accounting for 36.3% of total species and 53.6% of total number of individuals collected. The maximum diversity and abundance was observed in the scrub jungle and garden area; these two habitats sharing 29 species among themselves. The species accumulation curve and rarefaction curves computed indicated the likelihood of encountering more number of species in the campus had inventory been more rigorous and extended. The butterfly species viz.,Danaus chrysippus, Castalius rosimon, Tirumala septentrionis, Ariadne merione, Appears libythea and Cepora nerissa preferred scrub jungle and garden habitats than the other habitats. The species profile of butterfly communities associated with different habitat and the importance of avian predation in the campus were also discussed in detail.

Key words: Butterfly, species composition, habitat association, DAE campus.