It was with little expectation that a three-member team of butterfly enthusiasts recently set out on a three-hour trek inside a forest on a trail of the fluttering species. Though the searing sun and poor rainfall did not raise their hopes, the enthusiasts ended up spotting and clicking 50 different species of butterflies in the Amirthi forest of Jawadhu Hills.

The group led by E. Arun Kumar embarked on the nation-wide survey on butterflies – National Butterfly Trail Day – organised by Mumbai-based National Butterfly Club earlier this month. Mr. Kumar, along with Samuel Thomas and Mohan B., took up the survey in Amirthi Forest Range (Eastern ghats) and they trekked for nearly three kilometres inside the forest.

All-India survey

The survey was conducted across 75 to 80 locations in the country at the same time, Mr. Kumar said. “The aim was to create awareness on butterflies found in different parts of the country. Apart from spotting butterflies, this initiative also sought to understand which species of butterflies are found more in number, the host plants, differentiate male and female and look at activities such as mud puddling in this season,” he explained.

However, the team did not have high expectations to spot several butterflies as the climate was very hot and very little or no rains in the recent weeks, he said, adding that they were in for a surprise soon.

“We were greeted by several colourful butterflies in every place we trekked. We managed to spot about 50 different species of butterflies. We also found many mud puddling -- a behaviour most conspicuous in butterflies-- on the patches of the now dry riverbed,” he said.

Positive sign

Spotting 50 species in the three-hour trek along the riverbed, which was mostly through rough terrain, was definitely a positive sign for the team. “About six of the species were spotted for the first time in Amirthi Forest. In my earlier surveys, I have spotted 85 species of butterflies in Jawadhu and Yelagiri Hills. This six new species takes the overall count to 91 species. In fact, it is a good find in the Eastern Ghats,” the butterfly enthusiast said.

He added that the overall species count for Amirthi forest alone was 71. Some of the newly spotted species in this part of the region included Pointed Ciliate Blue, Anomalous Nawab, Pea Blue, Common Evening Brown and Common Jay. “We also spotted Grass Jewel, which is the smallest butterfly in India,” he said.

Some species such as Great Orange Tip, Common Banded Peacock and Yellow Orange Tip were found in good numbers, he added.

In fact, the three enthusiasts also set their eyes on good variety of birds during the trail. He said that the findings during the butterfly trail will be compiled across the State.