author(s)
Kanagaraj B and C Kathirvelu

abstract
In the present study, line transect count method was followed to determine the diversity of butterflies and their abundance in the coastal area of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu during December 2013 to November 2014. The butterflies observed in the coastal villages of the District were identified under five families viz. Papilionidae, Pieridae, Nymphalidae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae under the superfamilies, Papilionoidea and Hesperoidea of order Lepidoptera respectively. There were 52 species and 40 genera found in the study area. Out of which 28 species were found common based on their relative abundance. Highest number of butterflies (286) were observed during December, 2013 followed by January with 245 numbers and February recorded 242 numbers. Another peak was observed during July and August, 2014 with 195 and 202 numbers respectively while the least number of butterflies (141) were observed during May 2014. Among the families of butterflies recorded, Nymphalidae was witnessed with maximum number of butterflies (838) followed by Pieridae (540) and Papilionidae with 401 numbers from all the villages surveyed during the study period of one year comprising all seasons.