MACHILIPATNAMAs many as 129 butterfly species have been recorded by direct sighting during the maiden scientific survey carried out by the State Forest Department in Papikonda National Park in Andhra Pradesh. At least 11 species sighted in the park during the survey are believed to be recorded for the first time in Andhra Pradesh,” said Mr. Kumar. The experts observed that the butterfly species diversity was high in the Nellooru and Mothugudem divisions, in which nearly 100 species were recorded. The other butterfly families sighted in the park are Lycaenidae (Blues - 30 species), Hesperiidea (Skippers - 26 species), Pieridae (Whites and Yellows - 13 species) and Papiliionidae (Swallowtails - 6 species). Mr. Shankar told The Hindu: “The survey has explored the diversity and presence of the butterfly species in the PNP, apart from preparing an authentic record on the species surviving in the park.”

Source: The Hindu December 31, 2019 13:07 UTC