Floral Preference of Butterflies in Agricultural and Horticultural Ecosystems of Coastal Tamil Nadu

Butterflies, belonging to the order Lepidoptera, represent the second-largest group of insects and play a crucial role in ecosystems, including agricultural and horticultural systems. In Tamil Nadu, however, their roles within the crop ecosystem remain insufficiently studied. Information on feeding preferences, host selection, and pollination contributions is limited and inconsistent. To address this gap, the present investigation explores the butterfly diversity of crop ecosystems and ecology of selected coastal areas of Tamil Nadu. The survey was carried out in six coastal areas during the seasons, Rabi 2022-23 and Summer 2023 by sweep net and visual observations, in order to the study the relationship between the proboscis length and the flower morphology. A total of 25 nectar yielding plant species were recorded in the study area. Butterfly species recorded exhibited a preference for readily available larval host plants from five families such as Annonaceae, Rhamnaceae, Malvaceae, Fabaceae and Poaceae within the survey area. Statistical analysis employing a multiple linear regression model revealed no significant correlation between proboscis length and floral characteristics, including corolla length, flower color, and corolla type. The findings hold the potential to not only inform conservation strategies and promote sustainable agricultural practices, but also unveil the hidden value of these fluttering ambassadors, paving the way for a more harmonious relationship between butterflies and the agricultural landscapes they grace.