21 Kas 2024 Perşembe
Observatins on distribution and biology of Aglais cashmirensis Kollar (Indian Tortoiseshell) (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from Kashmir Valley, J&K (India)
Abstract :Both extensive field and laboratory observations conducted for the first time from April 2008 to November 2011 revealed that Aglais cashmirensis (Kollar) commonly called as Indian Tortoiseshell is very commonly distributed species found in diverse habitats like agricultural land, forests, gardens, household lawns, hilly places, open fields, orchids, parks, roads, vegetable gardens, neglected land, etc in Kashmir Valley. Being holometabolous, this Himalayan nymphalid completed its life cycle in 32 to 49 days in which egg stage lasted 4-5, larval 21-30, pre-pupa 1-2, pupa 4-6 and adult 2-6 days respectively The larvae were monophagous feeding on Urtica dioica (Urticacae) whereas adults were polyphagous visiting flowers of many families. Except during winter season (December to February), it was active from March to November within an altitudinal range from 1200-3000m. Description on its immature stages, wing venation, flight and distribution with distribution map is being given for the first time from the Kashmir Valley.
Aglais cashmirensis, Kashmir Valley, field observations, distribution, biology, wing venation