Survey and faunistic studies on moths and butterflies in New Valley Governorate, Egypt. 1. Butterflies

Abstract EN

A survey of moths and butterflies together with faunistic studies were carried out in Dakhla, Kharga and Baris Oases in New Valley Governorate using light traps and sweeping nets during a period covered two years, 2017 - 2018.

As for the butterflies, the survey revealed the presence of 24 species in 20 genera belonging to 5 families (Danaidae, Hesperiidae, Lycaenidae, Nymphalidae and Pieridae).The largest number of species was belonged to family Lycaenidae (eleven species), followed by family Pieridae (six species).

Kharga Oasis was found to be the richest in species (21 species).

Three species were found most common in the area of study, these are: Danaus chrysippus (L.) (Lepidoptera:Nymphalidae), Colotis chrysonome (Klug) and Pieris rapae (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), eight species were found in fair numbers and thirteen species are to be rare.

Taxonomic notes with common names, synonyms and notes on the distribution, habitats and host plants for each species are given.

Occurrence and distribution in the zoogeographical zones of Egypt are also pointed.