First Record of the Great Eggfly Hypolimnas bolina L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Sudan | Chapter 1 | Aspects of Biodiversity in Sudan Experience of the National Center for Research with Particular Collaboration with the National Insect Collection/ARC/Sudan

Hypolimnas bolina L. (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) is commonly known as the great Eggfly; andis a relatively common butterfly that can be found in deciduous forests and lightly woodedsides, butnative to Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and Australia. Biologically, this insect undergoes a complete metamorphosis. Eggs hatch into caterpillars with spiny body surface. that develop intopupae with rough body surface. Adult emerge after seven to eight days as pupae andisusuallyblack-bodied butterfly with a wingspan of about 70–85 millimeters. It also, has a high degree of sexual dimorphism. Females are owing to the presence of both genetic polymorphism and phenotypic plasticity, whereas, males are usually monomorphic. Their dorsal wing surface is jet black but features three prominent spots, two on the forewing and one on the hind wing.H. bolina host plant includesweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and arrow leaf sida (Sidarhombifolia). A research project was designed to monitor biological diversity focusing on adopting a specific parameter measurement for the performance of the ecosystem, such as measuring the coefficient of abundance, composition and richness of living species, in addition to measuring the main climate variables such as the size and length of the rainy season. These data are good indicators not only to reveal current conditions and trends for biodiversity, but also to give early warning signs of ecosystem performance. Three states were selected as study sites. These include Khartoum, Gezira and North Kordofan States. The eggfly specimens were collected usingbutterfly sweeping net. The specimens were then preserved and sent toAgricultural Research Corporation ARC (2020) and recorded as first collection. This identification knowledge may add to the understanding of its ecological significance and role and initiation of possible control effort- if needed - since this insect proved to be plant feeder.

Author(s) Details:

Maha Ali Abdellatif Ali,
Environment and Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute / National Centre for Research (NCR), P.O. Box 2404, People Hall Khartoum, 11113, Sudan.

Abdel Gadir Mohammed Abdellah Dafaelseed,
National Insect Collection, Integrated Agricultural Pest Management Research Centre (ARC), Wad Medani, Sudan.

Ishtiag Hassan Abdalla Mohammed,
Environment and Natural Resources and Desertification Research Institute / National Centre for Research (NCR), P.O. Box 2404, People Hall Khartoum, 11113, Sudan.

Ahmed Ismail Ahmed Safi,
University of Kordofan, Institute of Gum Arabic Research and Desertification Studies, Elobeid, P.O. Box 160, Postal Code: 51111, Sudan.

Randa Elsir Elsayed Eltayeb,
Shendi University, Shendi, River Nile State, P.O. Box: 142 – 14, Sudan.

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