Species Diversity Of Fruit-Feeding Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) In Spatial, Temporal And Vertical Dimensions, In Kubah National Park, Sarawak

Christharina, Saurin Gintoron (2011) Species Diversity Of Fruit-Feeding Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) In Spatial, Temporal And Vertical Dimensions, In Kubah National Park, Sarawak. Masters thesis, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).

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Abstract

The overall diversity and distributions of the fruit-feeding butterflies in spatial, temporal and vertical dimensions were investigated in the mixed-dipterocarp forest of Kubah National Park, Sarawak, by utilising baited-traps. Fourteen continuous days monthly from 17th May to 17th November 2009 of field sampling had resulted to 665 individuals of nymphalids, representing 49 species and four subfamilies. Bassarona dunya was listed as the most abundant nymphalid species in this study. Forest edge was found to be sustaining the highest number of species among the four forest habitats, yet the highest diversity was revealed at the secondary forest (H’= 3.033, 1-D= 0.933, α= 13.370). In contrast, primary forest sustained the highest taxonomic diversity of nymphalids, as in the distantly related species. Being practically ‘sun-lovers’ explained the presence of most nymphalid species at the forest edge, while with the intermediate disturbance observed in the secondary forest, enormous microhabitats are offered here as both climax and pioneer tree species coexist together, thus supporting a diverse nymphalids assemblage. On the other hand, the effects of different monthly replicates on the nymphalids distribution was observed, as well as accentuating the influence of rainfall to these forest butterflies. Undeniably, heavy rainfall disrupted the nymphalids’ occurrence pattern, as apart from being synonym with the sun-rays, pupal and larval stages of the nymphalids are badly affected. Vertical study on these nymphalids elucidated a prominent preference towards the ground level, correlated with the presence of rotting fruits on the ground. Phenomenon such as heliophobia was also hypothesised for B. dunya, due to its dominance uniquely at the lower level. Larger-forewing nymphalids with slender body occupied the lower strata, for better maneuverability through the herbaceous plants. Conversely, in order to acquire strong and rapid flight in the forest canopy, smaller-forewing yet with stouter-body characterised the nymphalids sampled here.

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