KERISBIOKON continues documenting Indonesia’s rich biodiversity through a butterfly diversity study conducted at Grajagan Resort, Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi. Conducted in 2022, this research explored several natural habitats, including lowland forest, beach forest, and savanna transition forest.
Butterflies play an essential role in ecosystems as natural pollinators and bioindicators of environmental health. The presence of diverse butterfly species often reflects a well-preserved and balanced ecosystem.
The study recorded 9 butterfly species belonging to 3 major families: Nymphalidae, Pieridae, and Papilionidae. The species observed include:
🦋 Ideopsis juventa
🦋 Euploea tulliolus
🦋 Junonia almana
🦋 Danaus affinis
🦋 Leptosia nina
🦋 Eurema hecabe
🦋 Cepora iudith
🦋 Catopsilia pomona
🦋 Papilio polytes
The family Nymphalidae was the most frequently encountered group during the study. Members of this family are well known for their strong adaptability to various tropical habitats, including forested and open areas.
Fun Fact:
Junonia almana, commonly known as the Peacock Pansy, has large eye-like patterns on its wings that function as a defense mechanism against predators. When the wings are opened, the patterns resemble the eyes of a much larger animal.
Papilio polytes is famous for its remarkable mimicry ability. Female butterflies of this species can imitate toxic butterfly species to avoid predators, even though they are harmless themselves.
Grajagan Resort is one of the ecologically important areas within Alas Purwo National Park, characterized by a unique combination of forest and coastal ecosystems. This habitat diversity supports the existence of various butterfly species and other wildlife.
Through this research, KERISBIOKON hopes to contribute to biodiversity documentation and strengthen public awareness about the importance of conserving Indonesia’s natural ecosystems.