91勛圖

Abstract

The Butterflies have always have been a subject of interest, and they are probably next only to birds in their universal popularity, evoking curiosity and fondness among children, naturalists and scientists alike. This is partly attributable to the great variety and beauty of their colour patterns, and partly to their dramatic transformation during their life cycle and the interesting phenomena of mimicry and migration. However, as a result of rapid decline in forest these lovely creatures have been threatened. The situation has been exacerbated by the increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. There are about 1500 species of butterflies in India (1992) among them 36 species belonging to 7 groups or categories were identified in the studying area of Kanchi Mamunivar centre for post graduate studies, Pondicherry. Among them the swallow tail butterflies, Crimson Rose was more attractive with bright markings on its hind wings. The red body is warning signals to avian predators. The Blues consists of 9 species that were dominant followed by Whites and Yellows, Milkweed, Browns and Nymphalids. Only one Skipper namely common banded awl (Hasora chromes) was identified. The lives of butterflies seem to simple to a passive bystander, but as one peeps into the lifestyle of these colourful insects, fascination to know more about them grows, and then the chase is endless.

Biography

S Rajalakshmi has submitted her PhD at the University of Puducherry and published 6 papers in reputed journals. She is interested in doing her post doctoral fellowship in the field of biodiversity