A SURVEY ON BUTTERFLIES IN KODIYERI, THALASSERY MUNICIPALITY, KANNUR DISTRICT FROM KERALA

The present study was an attempt to assess the butterfly diversity in Kodiyeri, Thalassery municipality, Kannur district in Kerala. The data was obtained by trapping and sweeping net method from August 2020 to May 2021. Totally 57 species of butterflies representing from 5 major families were recorded. Family Nymphalidae represented the maximum of species followed by Lycaenidae- 16 species, Hesperidae- 8 species, Pieridae -7 species and 6 species from the family of Papilionidae. All families were found maximum during October and it may be due to the availability of nectar as many shrubs were actively blooming. Out of the 57 species recorded, five of them are included in the schedule I category and one species in schedule II of Wild Life Protection Act 1972. Castalius rosimon, Neptis columella, Papilio clytia, Hypolimnas misippus, Pachilopta hector and Lampides boeticus are the identified species which include in WPA status.