A Review on Diversity and Seasonal Abundance of Butterflies in Uttar Pradesh (India)

Abstract

Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) are ecologically important insects recognized as effective bioindicators due to their sensitivity to climatic fluctuations, habitat disturbance, and vegetation composition. Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s largest state by population, represents a unique ecological mosaic comprising the Terai belt, Gangetic floodplains, extensive agricultural landscapes, wetlands, scrublands, and semi-arid Bundelkhand habitats. These diverse landscapes provide a broad range of microhabitats and floral resources that support butterfly assemblages. This review synthesizes available literature and ecological observations regarding butterfly diversity and seasonal abundance patterns in Uttar Pradesh and comparable North Indian regions. Evidence suggests that butterfly diversity in UP is strongly influenced by habitat heterogeneity, larval host plant distribution, nectar plant phenology, and climatic variables such as rainfall, humidity, and temperature. Post-monsoon and spring seasons generally exhibit maximum species richness and abundance due to favorable environmental conditions and high floral productivity. In contrast, extreme summer heat reduces butterfly activity and survival, while heavy monsoon rainfall can suppress adult flight behavior temporarily. Studies across northern India indicate that families Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae typically dominate species richness, while Pieridae frequently show high abundance in open habitats and agroecosystems. Rapid urbanization, agricultural intensification, pesticide usage, wetland degradation, and habitat fragmentation are major threats to butterfly populations in UP. The review emphasises the importance of standardized monitoring approaches such as Pollard walk transects, long-term phenological recording, and integration of citizen science platforms. Conservation strategies including habitat restoration, creation of butterfly corridors, promotion of butterfly-friendly farming, riparian vegetation protection, and urban biodiversity planning are recommended. This review provides an updated conceptual framework for future research and conservation planning aimed at safeguarding butterfly diversity and ecological stability in Uttar Pradesh.