Research conducted by Flora Fauna Nusantara (FFN) in Rowobendo Resort, Alas Purwo National Park, documented diverse butterfly communities that serve as important indicators of environmental quality and ecosystem health.
Flora Fauna Nusantara (FFN) conducted a study on Lepidoptera (butterfly) diversity in the Rowobendo Resort area of Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, in March 2022. The research focused on documenting butterfly species and assessing community diversity as an initial effort to describe Lepidoptera community structure within the area, considering the limited biodiversity data currently available for this region.
The study was conducted using the road sampling method, while specimen collection was carried out using insect nets. Individuals encountered along observation transects were captured and identified based on morphological characteristics up to the species level using standard entomological identification references.
The results showed that butterfly diversity within Rowobendo Resort falls into the moderate category, with a Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) value of 1.924. A total of 56 individuals were documented, representing two butterfly families: Nymphalidae and Pieridae. The observed species included:
- Appias olferna
- Catopsilia pyranthe
- Euploea tulliolus
- Eurema hecabe
- Ideopsis juventa
- Junonia almana
- Junonia atlites
- Leptosia nina
Junonia almana
💡 Did You Know?
Junonia almana, commonly known as the Peacock Pansy, possesses large eye-like patterns on its wings that function as a defense mechanism against predators. When disturbed, the butterfly suddenly opens its wings, creating a visual effect that can startle potential predators and reduce the likelihood of attack.
The species composition documented during the study indicates that butterfly communities within Rowobendo Resort are dominated by generalist species capable of adapting to various habitat types, while still including species that are relatively sensitive to environmental changes.
These findings suggest that the Rowobendo Resort area continues to maintain relatively stable habitat conditions capable of supporting butterfly diversity. As important bioindicators, butterfly communities provide valuable ecological information regarding ecosystem quality and environmental health within the tropical forest ecosystems of Alas Purwo National Park.
