Study on the active time period, spatial distribution and nectar plants of recorded butterfly species in Kiralakelle Wetland in Matara District.

Abstract

Although, butterflies are a group of charismatic insects, their behaviors have been rather poorly documented in Sri Lanka. Thus, present study investigated the active time period, spatial distribution in different strata of vegetation and nectar plants of butterflies in the Kiralakelle, an important wetland in Matara District. Four butterfly trails were selected and study was done based on butterfly’s flying activity and their resting behavior, from 7.00 to 18.00 hours in a day, continuously twice a month from June to December in year 2008. Out of recorded 24 species of butterflies, only 3 butterfly species namely Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa ethion ethion), Common Mormon (Papilio polytes romulus) and Common Pierrot (Castalius rosimon) were active in the whole day, from 8.00 to 16.30 hours. Activity times of other butterfly species were varied throughout the day. Results of spatial distribution of butterflies revealecf that, the highest number of butterfly species was distributed in the ground level stratum (<lm) when compared to other strata. Danaids butterflies were found mostly in middle level strata, wnile Pierids, Nymphalids and Papilionids butterflies occurred both in middle and high layers. There was a significantly positive correlation ( r = 0.816, P<0.05) between recorded overall abundance of butterflies and nectar plants in each trail in Kiralakelle wetland. These findings will be helpful to give a better idea about behavior patterns of butterflies in Kiralakelle wetland and for future researchers to conduct conservation plan in that valuable site.