Species Diversity and Mud Puddling Activity of Butterflies in Madurai, Tamilnadu, India

Butterflies are one of the most incredible creatures of nature and an integral part of the ecosystem. In the midst of urbanization, the natural habitat of the butterflies is replaced or reduced by the construction of buildings, which leads to a substantial decline in the butterfly diversity indicating a decline in the habitat quality. Butterflies exhibit an interesting behavior called puddling, wherein they feed on minerals and salts from mud puddles, excrement, and carrion. The mud puddling activity influences the nutritional and reproductive status of lepidopterans. This study aims at understanding the richness and species diversity and the mud puddling activity of butterflies in the selected sites in Madurai, and test the soil sample for various minerals and salts to understand the importance of mud puddling in the reproductive behavior of butterflies. The survey of butterflies was done in Alagarkovil hills and Lady Doak College campus, from July 2017 to January 2018 on sunny days, between 0800-1600 hrs, thrice a week using the transect method. A total of 166 species belonging to six families were recorded during the study period, of which the Nymphalidae family was dominant with 49 species. Of the six families Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae, and Pieridae families were mostly found to exhibit mud puddling. The mud puddling activity was found to be predominant in sites with copious puddles. The soil analysis of the mud puddling sites showed the presence of salts like sodium and potassium, metal ions like manganese, iron, and copper, and macro elements like phosphorus, nitrogen, and carbon. The alkaline pH of the soil was found to favor the puddling activity. 21 plant species were found to be host plants at both research locations. Although the Lady Doak College site is urbanised, the abundance of ideal habitat has made it rich in butterfly diversity. Under conservation strategies, restoration of mud puddling sites could enhance the biodiversity index of butterflies in urbanized cities.