Butterfly Hotspots: Kallar (Coimbatore Dt.)
A total of 174 species (as of September 2017) have been record-
ed in the past 5 years from the place. This is almost half the
numbers that of the target number of butterfly species for the
state of Tamil Nadu (which stands at 323). The Nymphalidae
butterflies top the list with 50 species, closely followed by Lycae-
nidae (48). Papilionidae and Pieridae are well represented too.
The Hesperiidae family, however, is by proportion least repre-
sented with just 33 species. Average no of species one could
sight given any day will be around 40 species with maximum of
closer to 100 and a minimum of 11 species (just once during the
driest period in 2016). Hence, one would never come back with
much disappointment.
Papilionidae
The Swallowtail butterflies as the species from Papilionidae are
called are well represented in Kallar with 14 of 19 species is
recorded. The ones to miss out are the species with Malabar
names and the rare Five-bar Swordtail. Common Banded Pea-
cock (Papilio crino) is the icon of the Kallar and is sighted in
most part of the year in good numbers. This butterfly is also a
prime candidate for Tamil Nadu State Butterfly. Early mornings
are best time to see their open wing spread while on their
mood during Mud-puddling will allow for a very close encoun-
ter. The Blue Mormons and Red Helens, both the giants, can
be seen moving between nectaring plants within the Garden.
The Spot Swordtail and Limes are seasonal and can be seen in
good numbers. The bluebottles and Jays are best seen during
mud-puddling otherwise flying past between plants in a swift
manner. The Common Mime is a rarity here! The Southern
Birdwing is sighted but not often and with surety. The Roses
are present according to the season!
Pieridae
The Whites and Yellows as they are normally called from the
Pieridae family are well represented too. The higher elevation
species from the family is totally absent here like Nilgiri Cloud-
ed Yellow, Lesser Gull, Indian Cabbage White, etc. Among the
Grass Yellows, the small and spotless are not recorded so far
wit rest making their presence regularly. Gulls and Pioneers
are present in good numbers. Among the tips, it is Great Or-
ange-tip that can be easily spotted when they are on song. The
Yellow Orange-tip, however, should take up the icon position
for the Pieridae, as they are present in abundance at times and
at other times, at least a few. The Salmon Arabs and other tips
are not that common. Common Albatross is a regular here with
high numbers equate with their migration (especially observed
at Aralam of Kerala). Striped Albatross is not that common and
a Lesser is sighted recently while chocolate is yet to be seen.
The uniqueness of the place lies however with the Wanderers
with both common and dark are seen at the same time.
Kallar Species
174
Total
174
Hesperiidae
36
Lycaenidae
48
Nymphalidae
53
Pieridae
23
Papilionidae
14
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