TO STUDY THE BUTTERFLY (LEPIDOPTERA: RHOPALOCERA) FAUNA OF SAL FOREST OF MANDUWALA REGION, DEHRADUN
This work has been done in Sal Forest (Shorea robusta Gaertn) of Manduwala region Dehradun. The collected specimen was brought to laboratory, where they were spreaded on the spreading board and each specimen was pinned and oven dried at 60 0 c for 24 hours. After all these processes specimens finally kept in the insect box. To protect insects from ants and fungus naphthalene balls are placed in it. The identification up to species level was done with the help of available entomological keys. All identified specimens were taken to Zoological Surey of India, Dehradun for verification. In the present study total of 17 species of 4 families (Danaidae Nymphilidae, Pieridae, and Papilionidae,) and their complete description is given.In which Danaidae family includes species ( Euplea mulciber, Tirumala hamata,, Parantica aglea, Euploea core core, Danaus chrysippus, Danaus genuita), followed by Nymp halidae family ( Phalanta phalantha, Junonia almana, Junonia lemonias, Acraea violae, Cynthia cardui, and Cyrestis thyodama), Pier idae famil y ( Colias fieldii, Catopsilia crocale, Eurema hecabe), Papilionidae family ( Arhopala amantas and Chilasa clytia ) ar e obser ved. Therefore, the present study makes a modest attempt to explore the existing diversity of butterflies. It is essential that we do cument the butterfly fauna of certain regions so that steps may be taken to ensure the survival of these fascinating creatures for futur e generations. There is little that can be done to save our butterflies once their habitats are destroyed. Thus, it is i mportant to manage our environment and avoid further damaging the already fragile balance of nature