Structure of butterfly community of Anaikatty hills, Western Ghats

The community structure of butterflies was studied in the dry deciduous, thorny forest of Anaikatty hills, Western Ghats. Pierid butterflies showed greater abundance, which may be due to the relatively greater abundance of Capparaceae and Caesalpinaceae plants in the area. More species of Nymphalid butterflies were recorded from the area than any other family. Six endemic species and eight protected species listed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act were recorded from the area. The butterfly community did not show much variation between the sampling locations. The conservation value of the whole area is highlighted.