Diversity and abundance of the fruit-feeding butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) in Kubah National Park, Sarawak, Southwest Borneo
Species diversity and abundance of the fruit-feeding butterflies in Kubah National Park are varied in different dimensions, which indicated a specific species composition according to the environment. The 84- days of butterfly sampling had resulted in 665 individuals representing 49 species o...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Malaysian Nature Society
2014
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/38289/1/Lepidoptera1.pdf http://ir.unimas.my/id/eprint/38289/ https://www.mnj.my/# |
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| Summary: | Species diversity and abundance of the fruit-feeding butterflies
in Kubah National Park are varied in different dimensions, which indicated
a specific species composition according to the environment. The 84-
days of butterfly sampling had resulted in 665 individuals representing
49 species of this guild, and Satyrinae was recorded as the most diverse
subfamily (H’: 2.347). However, 42% of the total abundance was
dominated by Nymphalinae nymphalids, and Bassarona dunya was listed
as the most abundant species. Significant preference of these butterflies
was observed between monthly replicates and forest strata, yet none
in contrasting forest habitats. Temporal variations were evident for the
satyrines, as there was rainfall fluctuations associated during the survey,
which had affected the host-plants quality. Meanwhile, the presence of
rotting fruits on the ground has most probably attracted these frugivorous
butterflies except for Morphinae, and thus abundantly sampled in this
stratum. However, the homogeneous assemblages across all forest
habitats is hypothesised to be due to the mobility of the butterflies which
also aided by the strong wind due to the rugged terrains in the study area.
Widespread nymphalids were recorded to be abundant, as assisted with
dispersal ability. We concluded that by conducting a butterfly survey with
a simultaneous approach on all possible dimensions was meaningful, yet
detailed observations on the vegetations is also essential for habitat study |
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