The status of butterfly species in Kiralakelle Wetland; Matara District.

Abstract

Sri Lanka possesses a rich diversity of butterflies compared to other countries in the region, but studies on this interesting taxon remain limited. The present study on current status of butterflies at Kiralakelle wetland was carried out as an effort of filling this gap to some extent. Data was collected from four butterfly trails (trail 1, trail 2, trail 3 & trail 4) each measuring 200 meters in length. Duration of survey along each line-transect was an hour. Study was carried out between 8.00 a.m. - 4.00 p.m. twice a month from January to December in year 2008. Twenty four butterfly species, belonging to nine families were recorded. Check list of recorded butterflies was prepared. Out of the total, Blue Glassy Tiger (Ideopsis similes exprompta) was the most commonest and abundant butterfly in the Kiralakelle wetland. Common Jezebel (Delias eucharis) and Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe simulate) were other common butterflies recorded throughout the year. Two very rare butterfly species in Sri Lanka, Banded Blue Pierrot (Discolampa etnion ethion) ana Small Banded Swift (Pelopidas mathias mathias) were also recorded. Towny Coster (Telchinia violae) (Family: Acraeidae) and Palm Jucfy (Abisara echerius prunosa) (Family: Riodinidae), the only species representing each family in Sri Lanka were also recorded in Kiralakelle wetland. The major determinant factor for the survival of butterflies was their nectar plants and they are hignly sensitive to the environmental conditions. Study revealed that, Kiralakelle wetland was disturbed by human impacts such as dumping of wastes and grazing by cattle etc. Thus, site will be gradually become to unfavorable for butterflies due to destruction of food plants for larvae and reduce of their nectarine habitats.