Species Diversity and Mud Puddling Activity of Butterflies in Madurai, Tamilnadu, India | Chapter 9 | Research Aspects in Biological Science Vol. 5

One of nature's most amazing species, butterflies play a crucial role in the ecology. Building construction replaces or reduces the butterflies' native habitat in the midst of urbanisation, which causes a sharp drop in butterfly variety, a sign of poor habitat quality. Puddling is a fascinating habit practised by butterflies in which they consume salts and minerals from mud puddles, dung, and carrion. Lepidopterans' dietary and reproductive state are impacted by the mud-puddle activity. The purpose of this study is to comprehend the species variety and richness as well as the mud-pumping behaviour of butterflies in the chosen Madurai, then examine the sample of soil for different minerals and salts to comprehend the significance of mud puddling in butterfly reproductive behaviour. Using the transect method, a butterfly survey was conducted in the Alagarkovil hills and on the campus of Lady Doak College from July 2017 to January 2018 on sunny days between 0800 and 1600 hours, three times per week. Six families included a total of 166 species that were recorded throughout the study period, with 49 species belonging to the leading Nymphalidae family. Of the six families, mud puddling was most frequently observed in the Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, and Pieridae families. It was discovered that mud-puddle activity predominated in areas with lots of puddles. The soil study of the mud puddling sites revealed the presence of macro elements like phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon as well as metal ions like manganese, iron, and copper as well as salts like sodium and potassium. It was discovered that the soil's alkaline pH favoured the puddling activity. At both research sites, host plants for 21 different plant species were discovered. Despite being an urbanised area, the Lady Doak College location is home to a wide variety of butterflies thanks to the quantity of appropriate habitat. Restoration of mud puddling places could improve the biodiversity index of butterflies in urbanised cities under conservation techniques.

 

Author (s) Details

C. Ganeswari

Department of Zoology, Lady Doak College, Madurai, India.

Priyatharsini Rajendran

Department of Zoology, Lady Doak College, Madurai, India.

 

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