76 butterfly species counted across 7 biodiversity parks in Delhi

Published
17th Oct, 2022

Context

In the recently observed ‘Butterfly assessment week’ for Delhi’s biodiversity parks, it has found 76 species of butterflies remaining highest in the Aravalli range.

About

The Butterfly Assessment Week: Data

The assessment week was conducted by scientists at the biodiversity parks along with volunteers, students, and teachers.
A total of 5,922 butterflies were counted for the year 2022.
The highest number of species has been found in Aravalli Biodiversity Park at 68.
The largest populations were found to be of species like;

Butterfly species	Description
The Mottled emigrant	Mottle markings throughout the under-side and variable cell end patches may have rosy or silver spots. A large black spot on the fore wing cell and broader marginal bands on upper side in females. Some individuals have a bluish appearance on wings. Much smaller individuals can be seen in very dry months. Male is quite smaller than the female.
Common emigrant	Catopsilia pomona, the common emigrant or lemon emigrant, is a medium-sized pierid butterfly found in Asia, Cambodia and parts of Australia. The species gets its name from its habit of migration. Some early authors considered them as two distinct species Catopsilia crocale and Catopsilia pomona.
Plain Tiger	*Danaus chrysippus, also known as the plain tiger, African queen, or African monarch*, is a medium-sized butterfly widespread in Asia, Australia and Africa. The plain tiger is believed to be one of the first butterflies depicted in art. A 3,500-year-old ancient Egyptian fresco in Luxor features the oldest known illustration of this species.
Lemon pansy	*Junonia lemonias, the lemon pansy*, is a common nymphalid butterfly found in Cambodia and South Asia. It is found in gardens, fallow land, and open wooded areas.
Common grass yellow	*Eurema hecabe, the common grass yellow*, is a small pierid butterfly species found in Asia, Africa and Australia. They are found flying close to the ground and are found in open grass and scrub habitats. It is simply known as "the grass yellow" in parts of its range.

Significance of Butterflies:

Butterflies and bees are Pollinators and are an important aspect of any ecosystem.
They contribute to regenerating forests which can be very difficult without pollinators.
The habitats created for butterflies also tend to attract bees. The butterflies can be good indicators of the quality of habitats, according to scientists.

List of Delhi’s Biodiversity Parks:

A total of 6 Biodiversity Parks have been notified by Delhi Development Authority, of which two are fully functional and others are being developed.
They are named as;
- Yamuna Biodiversity Park
- Aravalli Biodiversity park
- Kamla Nehru Biodiversity Park
- Tilpath Valley Biodiversity park
- Neela Hauz Biodiversity park
- Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park
These Biodiversity Parks are owned by Delhi Development Authority and form a part of urban infrastructure and have educational, conservation, and cultural values, besides rendering a wide range of ecological services.
In the year 2012, Yamuna Biodiversity Park was dedicated to the nation by former Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Tejendra Khanna, and Aravalli Biodiversity Park was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble Lt. Governor of Delhi Shri Najeeb Jung, in the year 2015.