%0 Journal Article
%T Diversity of Butterflies in Maidan Valley, with New Records for Lower Dir District, Pakistan
%A Muhammad Khan
%A Mudassir Khan
%A Sayaf Khan
%A Habib Ul Haq
%A Waqas Ahmad
%J Entomology and Applied Science Letters
%@ 2349-2864
%D 2024
%V 11
%N 4
%R 10.51847/NnqJDBFyw4
%P 1-8
%X An explorative study was carried out in Maidan Valley, Lower Dir district, from September 2023 to August 2024. A total of 180 butterfly specimens were collected and identified into 33 species, classified into five families: Nymphalidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae. The family Nymphalidae was the most diverse, comprising 15 species, followed by Pieridae with eight species, Lycaenidae with six species, Papilionidae with three species, and Hesperiidae with one species. The highest species abundance was observed during the summer months, with peak collection occurring from June to September. This study also expands the known butterfly diversity of District Lower Dir, introducing several new species to the region, which are Ariadne merione, Hestina persimilus, Kaniska canace, Neptis sappho, Tirumala limniace, Catopsilia Pomona, Colias fieldii, Colias erate, Gonepteryx rahmni, Pieris rapae, Deudorix epijarbas, Heliporus sena, Cigaritis ictis, Zizeeria karsandra, Papilio polytes, Celaenorrhinus leucocera. The results highlight the importance of conducting comprehensive, seasonal surveys to accurately document the butterfly fauna of the region. These findings emphasize the ecological significance of butterflies and reinforce the need for sustained conservation efforts to preserve the biodiversity of District Lower Dir.
%U https://easletters.com/article/diversity-of-butterflies-in-maidan-valley-with-new-records-for-lower-dir-district-pakistan-nshttfubsaucylw