A Checklist of Butterfly Diversity (Rhopalocera: Lepidoptera) in Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Himachal Pradesh, India

Butterflies of the order Lepidoptera are ecologically important insects widely recognized as effective bio-indicators due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. The present study was conducted to document the diversity and distribution of butterflies in the campus of Dr. Y. S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Field surveys were carried out over a two-year period from October 2018 to September 2020, with regular observations between 7:00 AM and 11:00 AM. Butterflies were recorded through visual observations and photographic documentation using a DSLR camera, and species identification was confirmed using standard taxonomic literature and field guides. The survey recorded a total of 94 species belonging to 59 genera and 6 families: Riodinidae, Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Papilionidae, Lycaenidae, and Hesperiidae. Among these, Nymphalidae was the most dominant family, whereas Riodinidae had the lowest representation. The study provides baseline information for biodiversity conservation, ecological monitoring, and assessing environmental changes in semi-urban landscapes.