Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Insecta) have great value in the faunistic analysis and environmental planning at the local level. As many as 327 species of butterflies have been reported from Kerala so far and the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary supports 263 of them, belonging to 5 families. Of these, 11 are endemic to the Western Ghats and many are protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972. The migratory path of common albatross butterflies' is known to pass through the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary from November to January every year. The park is also well known for its large congregation Danaine butterflies and mud-puddling sites of many butterflies. Butterfly surveys are conducted every year in the sanctuary with the involvement of various enthusiastic groups.
Useful links on the taxa :
Dr. Kalesh Sadasivan
