Diversity and Abundance of Butterfly Fauna (Lepidoptera) at Sa'adu Zungur University, Bauchi Main Campus, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted to assess the diversity and abundance of butterfly species at Sa’adu Zungur University, Main Campus, Bauchi  State. A total of three hundred and fifty-seven (357) individual butterflies were recorded across two different sites within the campus, and  the study was conducted between July and August, 2024. These individuals were distributed among eleven (11) species belonging to  three (3) families. The recorded species included Limenitis archippus, Danaus plexippus, Anthocharis sara, Colias harfordii, Pieris rapae,  Nathalis iole, Heliopetes ericetorum, Hypolimnas misippus, Lerodea eufala, Mylothris agathina, and Eurema nicippe. The New Site  exhibited the highest abundance of individuals with 236 (66.11%), while the Old Site accounted for 121 (33.89%). At the Old Site, Danaus  plexippus had the highest abundance, representing 35 individuals (28.93%), followed by Limenitis archippus with 21 individuals (17.36%)  and Pieris rapae with 19 individuals (15.70%). The species with the lowest abundance at the Old Site was Mylothris agathina with 6  individuals (4.96%). At the New Site, Pieris rapae was the most abundant species with 43 individuals (18.22%), followed by Colias harfordii  with 40 individuals (16.94%), while Heliopetes ericetorum had the lowest abundance with 17 individuals (7.20%). No significant difference  in species composition was observed between the two sites (P-value > 0.05). However, a comparison of abundance, diversity, species richness, evenness, and similarity revealed that the New Site had higher abundance (236 individuals), diversity (H = 2.02), species richness  (J = 41.17), and evenness (Hmax = 0.84) compared to the Old Site, which had an abundance of 121 individuals, diversity (H =  1.88), species richness (J = 22.93), and evenness (Hmax = 0.78). Among the families, Pieridae was the most abundant, accounting for 185 individuals (52%), followed by Nymphalidae with 147 individuals (41%), and Hesperiidae with the lowest count of 25 individuals (7%). The  findings of this study highlight the diversity and composition of butterfly species in Sa’adu Zungur University, Bauchi State. The study  also underscores the species distribution across sites with varying ecological features. Based on these findings, it is recommended that  further studies on butterfly diversity and abundance be conducted to monitor changes in the ecosystem over time.