Title: Species diversity of butterflies in Gaya district (Bihar)
Abstract: Seventy-two species of butterflies belonging to five families was recorded for first time from Gaya district. Six sites were selected post pilot survey on the basis of both, nectar and larval host plant richness, diversity and anthropogenic pressure along with road connectivity. The maximum species diversity and richness was observed in winter season, while minimum in summer season. Plain tiger, Common jezebel, Common crow, Common castor, Tawny castor, Common emigrant, Peacock pansy, Grey pansy, Chocolate pansy, Common Pierrot, Lime blue, Great Eggfly, Common grass yellow, Common sailor, Common evening brown and Small branded swift were dominant butterfly species in all selected sites while Common Silverline, Indian sunbeam and Apefly were rare. Pollution due to dust, vehicular movements and activities like damaging nectar and larval host plant during breeding season, in and around habitat, due to lack of information seems to adversely effect the species diversity and population density in the region. Key words: - Butterfly, Species diversity, Gaya, Bihar.