Study on the Butterfly Community Structure and Diversity in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province

Purpose To explore the butterfly community structure and species diversity in Yuanyang County, Yunnan Province.

Methods The butterflies in Yuanyang County were investigated by using the method of sample line and net catching. A total of 30 sample lines were set up, each of which was not less than 2 km long, and butterflies along the sample lines were investigated and collected at a speed of 1.0-1.5 km/h.

Results A total of 166 species of butterflies were collected from 87 genera of 5 families, among which the number of species and individuals of Nymphalidae was the largest, the least was the species of Hesperiidae; the dominant species were Eurema hecabe and Pieris candia. There were temporal and spatial differences in diversity. In terms of temporal distribution, the number of species, individuals and diversity index in autumn were much higher than those in summer. In the altitude distribution, the number of species and individuals were the largest in the altitude of ≥600-800 m, and the least in the altitude of ≥400-600 m; the diversity index was the highest (3.995 0) in the altitude of ≥1 000-1 200 m, and the lowest (3.106 4) in the altitude of ≥400-600 m. In administrative areas, there were the highest species diversity (3.828 2) in Daping Town, and there were the lowest species diversity (2.456 1) in Xiaoxinjie Town.

Conclusion The butterflies in Yuanyang County have a high diversity, and there are obvious spatial and temporal differences in distribution, showing obvious vertical and horizontal distribution characteristics.