BUTTERFLY SPECIES RICHNESS AND MICROHABITAT ASSOCIATIONS IN DNYANGANGA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, BULDANA DISTRICT, MAHARASHTRA

The present study was conducted in Dnyanganga Wildlife Sanctuary (DWS), located in Buldana district, Maharashtra, to assess butterfly diversity across five major families: Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperidae. Using diversity indices such as the ShannonWiener Index (H), Simpson's Index (D), Evenness (E), and Species Richness (S), the study revealed significant variation in species composition and ecological dominance. A total of 79 species were recorded, with Nymphalidae (32.91%) emerged as the most abundant and diverse family, indicating high ecological stability and adaptability, followed by Lycaenidae (25.31%) and Pieridae (17.72%). Hesperidae (12.66%) and Papilionidae (11.40%) showed lower diversity and more restricted habitat representation. The results underscore the significance of ecological traits like dispersal ability and host plant range in shaping diversity, and highlight the need to conserve varied habitats to support both dominant and sensitive butterfly families.