Faunistic composition and phenology of butterflies (Rhopalocera: Papilionoidea) at Cañón de Lobos, Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico

Abstract

In order to know the species of Papilionoidea in the area and to describe its temporary distribution, the specimens were monthly captured from August of 1983 to December of 1986. 145 species of 4 families of Papilionoidea were recognized, and added to the obtained registries of literature with a total of 148 species for Cañón de Lobos; 21 of them are endemic to Mexico. Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae were the richest families, while Nymphalidae was the most abundant. Like in other tropical areas, the temporary distribution of the Papilionoidea is associated closely with the precipitation, reason why there were more species and specimens during the rainy season. The most of rhopalocerofauna of Cañón de Lobos is conformed by scarse and rare species that are resident in the area; only 10% of the species is associated exclusively to the dry forest. In comparison with other localities of Morelos, Cañón de Lobos has one of the greater richness.