Butterflies of Bankura

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This book on butterflies of Bankura is an effort to provide a complete list of Lepidoptera species found throughout the district of Bankura. The main purpose of this book is to elucidate and illustrate the rich diversity of butterflies by conducting a rapid assessment. This study will help in the development of a database and the provision of inputs to strengthen the management plan of wildlife in the Bankura district.

It will also assist all wildlife enthusiasts to identify and name the butterflies they are likely to encounter in the various parts of the district. We have noticed huge activity of lepidopteron species during the monsoon and post-monsoon post-mons season when most of the plants are in full bloom. Last few years we are closely monitoring and documenting the activities and dynamics of butterflies in this district for scientific documentation.

I take this opportunity to thank sincerely our PCCF, Wildlife & CWLW, Government of West Bengal for his able guidance and motivation. I also sincerely thank CCF, Central Circle Dr S. Kulandaivel, IFS, for his continuous guidance and impetus to bring out this literature. Last but not least that I would wholeheartedly thank our NGO (Nature Mate) friends, my team of officers and the staff of Panchet Division for working hard to make it happen.

Butterflies are one of the distinguished elements of the natural world, varying in their diversity, habitats, abundance and distribution throughout the World. Considering the significance of a butterfly in an ecosystem, it is recognized as an indicator species of biodiversity. About 17,500 species of butterflies are expected to be present all across the globe. India is expected to be home to around 1500 of the same. Butterflies occupy every continent, utilizing all habitat types, and display incredible variety in behavior and appearance. Butterflies usually have clubbed antennae, and are normally active during the daytime while.

Butterflies are cold-blooded, meaning they cannot regulate their body temperature. As a result, their body temperature changes with the temperature of their surroundings. Biodiversity plays a major role in maintaining the ecological balance of the ecosystem. Butterflies act as indicator species they are sensitive to environmental disruptions and they serve as an early warning of trouble.

Butterflies are popular and better studied than any other comparable group of organisms and are an excellent barometer for change in Biodiversity. Ecosystem services refer to the benefits that humans derive from the natural world, and Butterflies maintain the ecosystem by acting as a pollinator, prey, and biological pest control, inducing genetic variation in plants, and enhancing environmental beauty, reducing the level of carbon dioxide in the air.

Bankura is one of the biodiversity-rich districts in West Bengal. A large number of butterflies are always found in Bankura. The documentation work done by Panchet Division in Central Circle is unprecedented and very much commendable.

The Bankura District is situated in the southwestern region of West Bengal. The region encompasses both the Chotanagpur plateau and the Bengal lowlands. The eastern and northeastern parts of this region are comprised of alluvial plains that are situated at a low altitude. Conversely, the western area gradually increases in height and transforms into a plateau region that is distinguished by an undulating and stony terrain. In addition to two prominent elevations, Susunia (448m) and Biharinath (451m), the area is characterised by numerous small monadnocks referred to as "Tila" in the vernacular. The predominant geological composition of the area is comprised of igneous rocks dating back to the Archaean period, in addition to coal-bearing mudstone and quartzite rocks originating from the Carboniferous period. The region encompasses several waterways, such as the Damodar, Dwarakeswar, Shilabati, Kangsabati, Sali, Gandheswari, Kukhra, Birai, Jaypanda, and Bhairabbanki rivers. The climatic conditions of the region are marked by a highly elevated temperature during the summer season, persistent high levels of humidity throughout the year, and uniform precipitation of 1,303.7mm during the monsoon period. From approximately mid-November to the conclusion of February, there is a period of cold weather. According to the seasonal calendar, the summer period spans from the month of March to May.

The Bankura district comprises three forest divisions, namely Bankura North, Bankura South, and Panchet. The present investigation covers most of the forested area of this district. Following a history of predominantly agricultural land use, approximately 25% of the area is currently characterised by forest coverage. The forest patch is predominantly composed of Shorea robusta, commonly known as Sal trees, which are categorised as dry deciduous trees. It is a common practise for human activities to alter the topography of a given area.