Butterflies are known for their beauty, the beauty of nature. The world of butterflies is also strange. Their love for flowers is everlasting. They play an important role in biodiversity and ecological balance. Butterflies are generally familiar to everyone. But no one pays much attention to it, except for children. But that too is very limited. But nowadays, it can be a subject of hobbies, studies and research. Many wildlife lover, butterfly lovers and researchers have flocked to the study of butterflies. Isaac Kehimkar, Krushnamegh Kunte, Meena Haribal, Meenakshi Venkataraman, V.P.Uniyal & many more are currently the leading butterfly researchers in India.

The butterfly is a type of insect. The science of studying them is called Entomology. Butterflies belong to the order ‘Lapidoptera’. Today, the number of known insects in the world is one hundred and fifty thousand, of which there are 17,824 butterflies in the world. According to recent statistics, there are 1,505 butterflies in India. Total 277 species of butterflies are found in Maharashtra. There are six families of butterflies named as Papillionidae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae, Pieridae, Hesperidae and Riodinidae. There are 185 species of butterflies in Vidarbha region and 127 species in Melghat. If you observe Melghat, Tadoba, Pench and other forest areas, you will definitely see 20 to 25 species of butterflies in one visit. Since butterflies are important in the food chain, their existence is a symbol of a clean environment. Himalaya, Sahyadri and Satpuda and its environs are rich in butterflies. We can see many rare as well as other butterflies in large numbers there. It is noteworthy that the state of Maharashtra has declared its state butterfly for the first time in India. The Blue Mormon is Maharashtra’s  state butterfly. Then after Commmon Peacock of Uttarakhand, Southern Birdwing of Karnataka, Malabar Banded Peacock or Budha Butterfly of Kerala and Tamil Yaoman of Tamil Nadu declared their state butterflies.

The Sahyandri and Satpuda mountain areas are rich in flowers and other flora and fauna. This is because the main base of butterflies is plants. They feed on the same plant and take in the sweetness of their growing flowers. These are their main sources of energy. The period from July to November is generally considered favorable for butterflies and their observation. Because during this time we were able to see some of the best species and rare butterflies. The number of butterflies during this period is also the highest density. As summer begins, their numbers are affected. In summer, many butterfly cells are dormant. So the number of butterflies seems to be low.

The hobby of butterfly watching is as enjoyable as bird watching. It reveals many mysteries. Observing a gem of such a magnificent treasure of nature gives us immense pleasure. In this article series, ‘My friend Butterfly’, let’s get to know about butterflies, let’s make friendship with tiny creature of nature.! Thank you

@ Yadav Tarte Patil
Member – State board for Wildlife, Government of Maharashtra
Mobile – 9730900500
Email – disha.wildlife@gmail.com

23 thoughts on “My friend Butterfly”

  1. Very informative, simple and effective Languages used for informing the common people about Butterfly World. Great, Keep it Up, Yadavji??

    1. Wow, it’s a great job ? amazing and wonderful work. YADAWJI WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.

  2. Really very nice information ..n constructed in a very simple language… . everyone can understand the nature’s secrets…. !! Keep it up Yadaw..!!

  3. Great Yadavji . You had open access for childrens to come closer to nature and to continue its journey. Really Appreciable. Best luck for your eternal friendship with butterflies. That day is not far away when butterfly will follow Yadavji . Again my best wishes with you as always..

    1. Ohhh how swt Guddu Bhaiya, Thank you very much for your kind appreciation and blessings.

  4. Captivating them from my garden ,in my mobile lens and sharing with my sons has always been a favourite habit. Very much fascinated by your information. Great sensitivity you have Yadav.

    1. Thank you very much Neeta Ma….!
      Because of your coaching this is possible for me. Thank you

    2. Really nice article on butterflies and their importance to ecosystem and biodiversity. We are waiting for your next such articles .
      Keep writing and keep enriching us..
      Regards,
      Akshay Bhorde,IFS

      1. Thank you very much.
        great to know that you are committed & interested to know about butterflies. WILL POST ON SATURDAY. Thank you once again Sir.
        Yadav Tarte Patil, Member – State Board for Wildlife.

  5. Wonderful artical by Mr.y.Tarte. I read for my 7 year grandson. He enjoyed very much. He has developed keen interest about butterflies. All credit goes to Mr.Tarte. I feel he should keep writing such articles for the benefit of children in particular and others in general people.

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