I have been waiting for this milestone – recording 50 butterfly species at forest hut. The first butterfly I recorded at forest hut was in May 2022. Recording these butterflies is always filled with excitement, jubilance and learning experiences.
Importance of Butterflies
Butterflies are key to biodiversity and ecology as they contribute to the food chain in forests. Their eggs, larvae (caterpillars), and adult butterflies feed many insects, birds, and reptiles. Additionally, most butterflies help pollinate flowering plants.
They have a symbiotic relationship with plants as they are dependent on plants for larval food, for example, the host plant of Narrow-banded Bluebottle is Cinnamon.
Key Species
Narrow-banded Bluebottle – (Graphium teredon)
Found mostly flying above the canopy in moist rainforests. It is known for its quick flight and rapid reactions.
Sahyadri Blue Oakleaf – (Kallima horsfieldii)
Underwing resembles a dry leaf, while the upperwing is a rich blue. It is endemic to the Western Ghats and typically found in forests.
Tailed Palmfly – (Elymnias caudata)
Endemic to the Western Ghats, where it resides in forests. It’s found on palms, which are its host plants. It has a white glossy sheen that is visible in the photograph.
To see all the butterfly species observed at the forest hut, including both common and rare varieties that grace this beautiful ecosystem, go to our iNaturalist page.
Photographs by Shree Dave
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