In a survey to make people aware about the ecosystem of butterflies, over 15 teams fanned out across Delhi-NCR and spotted around 69 species of butterflies.
On an average, 30 species were recorded from all locations and the highest recorded from one site was 49.
Delhi’s Big Butterfly Count initiative was led by researchers from Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS).
Butterflies are cold-blooded creatures and need sunlight for energy. They play an important role in the ecosystem. A large number of butterflies indicate a healthy environment, experts say.
The highlights of the survey were sighting of species like Psyche, Indian Red Flash, Red Pierrot, Chocolate Pansy, African Babul Blue and Painted Lady.
They were spotted after years. In our count, Psyche butterfly was recorded after three years.
Chocolate Pansy, which is normally present in humid forests, were also recorded. In addition to this, southern ridge areas were found to be especially rich in butterfly diversity.
These findings indicate that we have seen over 70 per cent of the historical record of butterfly in Delhi.
In 1986, European scientist Larsen Torben conducted a study on butterflies of Delhi, which collated historical record dating back to 1944.
He had recorded a total of 85 butterflies.
The initiative also saw butterfly enthusiasts submit the names of four butterflies - one of which will be chosen as the state butterfly of the capital.
The census was part of the butterfly month which aimed to provide an accurate and updated list of butterfly species found in the region.
