BUTTERFLY SPECIES DIVERSITY AND ECOLOGICAL INSIGHTS AT LOWER DIR, PAKISTAN
This work outlines the general diversity of butterflies in Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and records an overall noteworthy assemblage of 79 species representing six families. The general survey conducted throughout different localities in the area reflects particularly high levels of diversity within the family Nymphalidae, wherein species such as Junonia orithya and Argynnis kamala have been found with both widespread and localized distributions. Record of Junonia orithya from Timergara, Khall, and Balambat and the rarity of Argynnis kamala confirm not only the earlier-recorded distribution but also extend new information on their ecological adaptability. Members of the family Pieridae were very common especially Colias erate and Eurema hecabe while Catopsilia pyranthe was uncommon which corroborates the earlier recorded distribution of the latter. Hipparchia parasites and Ypthima asterope form the record in the Satyridae family, confirming their previous distribution and rarity. The established pattern of the distribution and rarity in the Papilionidae family is shown by abundant Papilio demoleus and rare Papilio polyctor. Danaus chrysippus was found to be abundant, and this corresponds with its wide distribution in Pakistan, while the family Libytheidae was represented by the rare Libytheia lepita. This study will not only enrich our understanding of butterfly fauna in Lower Dir but also integrate new species records with historical data regarding the ecological importance of the region and the need for ongoing conservation efforts.
Keywords: Butterflies, species diversity, entomological survey, Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
