Morphometric Analysis of Some Nymphalidae Butterflies (Rhopalocera) from the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru, Karnataka

The current study was carried out to delineate the interrelationship of Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) viz., Ariadne merione, Danaus genutia, Europa core, Phalanta phalantha and Tirumala limiace in and around Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP), Bengaluru, Karnataka. To understand morphometrics of Nymphalidae, measurement of the body, proboscis, antenna, wings, and legs of these butterflies was carried out and analyzed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed for nine variables to examine the principle variable components among the species. The first Principal Component accounted for 84.70% between females and 87.30% between males, followed by the second PCA. Thus, we conclude that morphometric analysis of the five species revealed the importance of interspecies descriptions in characterizing the butterfly species and would also help in conserving the species.