Butterfly (Lepidoptera: Heterocera) Fauna of Bangus Valley, Jammu & Kashmir, India

Abstract

ABSTRACT. The present study was carried out in Bangus Valley, located in district Kupwara of Jammu & Kashmir, India. The field trips of the study area were undertaken in 2021 from March to November to explore the butterfly diversity. During the present investigation, 14 species were reported under 13 genera belonging to 3 families. Family Nymphalidae was found to be most dominant, representing six species, while Pieridae and Lycaenidae were representing four species each. Based on the number of genera, Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant representing six genera, followed by family Lycaenidae representing four genera and the Pieridae was least dominant representing three genera. This research will help us better understand the biodiversity of the Valley and may be helpful for establishing conservation plans for butterfly diversity. Abbreviations. J&K= Jammu & Kashmir; m a. s. l= meters above sea level; N. P= National Park; UT= Union Territory; BGSBU= Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University.