Species diversity and abundance of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in Lata Hokkaido, Jeli, Kelantan

¹ Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kampus Jeli, Beg Berkunci No. 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan
² Animal and Wildlife Research Group, Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kampus Jeli, Beg Berkunci No. 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan

^* Corresponding author: irene.c@umk.edu.my

Abstract

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) serve as vital bioindicators for terrestrial environments and habitat quality, making them critical in biological monitoring and conservation efforts. Here, we report the first checklist of butterflies in Lata Hokkaido, Jeli, Kelantan. Butterflies were sampled for 14 consecutive days using fruit-baited traps and aerial net. In total, 303 butterflies belonging to 53 species from 11 subfamilies were documented. Coliadinae was the most dominant subfamily with four species and 60 individuals recorded, meanwhile, Morphinae represents the least recorded subfamily with just one species from one individual. The most abundant species were Eurema hecabe, Leptosia nina, and Mycalesis mineus. The Shannon-Wiener Index (H’ = 3.246) indicates a notable richness in butterfly diversity at Lata Hokkaido, supported by the Margalef’s Richness Index (M = 9.101) which highlights substantial species richness. The Pielou’s Evenness Index (J’ = 0.818) suggests a fairly even distribution of individuals across species. Aditionally, the species accumulation curve reached an asymptote, suggesting that most of the species present in the study area have been detected. This study provides valuable insights into the ecological significance of Lata Hokkaido as a habitat for butterflies and contributes to the broader understanding of butterfly diversity in this area.