Species diversity of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in an urban ecosystem, Hutan Bandar Jeli, Kelantan

Abstract

Urban green spaces are vital refuges for biodiversity within expanding cityscapes, yet butterfly diversity in Malaysian urban forests remains poorly documented. This study provides the first comprehensive checklist and diversity assessment of butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) from Hutan Bandar Jeli, Kelantan. Field sampling was conducted over 15 consecutive days using fruit-baited traps and aerial nets allowing for the detection of both fruit-feeding and active flying species. A total of 244 individuals representing 38 species across 11 subfamilies were recorded. The most abundant species were Mycalesis mineus (n = 41), Jamides celeno (n = 32), Tanaecia iapis (n = 27), and Mycalesis janardana (n = 27), highlighting their adaptability to urban forest environments and potential role as indicators of habitat quality in disturbed landscapes. Conversely, 16 species were recorded as singletons, reflecting the presence of rare or less commonly encountered taxa. Diversity indices indicate a moderately high species richness and evenness (Shannon-Wiener Index (H′) = 2.82; Margalef’s Richness Index (Dₘg) = 6.72; Pielou’s Evenness Index (J′) = 0.77). Rarefaction and extrapolation analyses (iNEXT) revealed that sampling captured over 93% of the expected species richness, suggesting effective sampling effort with potential for additional species to be detected through extended or seasonal surveys. This study demonstrates that even small urban forest parks can sustain a remarkably diverse butterfly assemblage, highlighting their ecological and conservation value as biodiversity reservoirs within human-dominated landscapes. The findings further emphasise the importance of incorporating biodiversity considerations into urban planning and habitat management to safeguard such green spaces for the benefit of both wildlife and people.