The total number of species in the world is 18,000 and India is proud to state that we hold more than 1500 species of them. We all know how beautiful they look and how fascinating it is to just look at them. Butterfly watching became a prime hobby for many wildlife enthusiasts and some people just love gathering information about the same. It is always amazing to study or observe something we like so much this closely. You can also know about them with the help of books or the internet but trust me witnessing them through your eyes is very soothing and unforgettable as well. 

There are various types of insects, so butterfly comes under the category of Lepidoptera, it is because they have 4 wings, 6 legs and 3 parted main bodies which include the head, thorax and abdomen. You can spot them in open grasslands, thick forests, bushes, water sources and of course near flowers as well. These butterflies are further classified into two families that are: Hesperioiidea and Papilionoidea. 

Reason of Popularity

Kanha National Park is one of the best national parks which is situated in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. This beautiful park was established in the year 1955. It is primely known for its diverse flora and fauna. When talking about fauna, butterflies are one of the attractions of this park which helps the flora of the park as well. 

This park is home to numerous species of butterflies, the reason behind this is the habitat of the park. People are in love with butterfly-watching for two reasons.

● The beauty of the butterfly: The first reason is how visually pleasing they are. You can witness the same creature in different colors and sizes what can be more beautiful than this? This is the reason people are attracted to this beauty and its residence. 

● Learning the life cycle of the butterfly: Another reason is the interesting life cycle and their behavior. You can know and observe the life cycle and behavior of the butterfly’s real close. You can enjoy the fascinating journey of their life cycle. You can know and study how they turn from a small egg to this beautiful fully grown butterfly. Their transformation is true magic. 

So these are the two reasons that fascinate the visitors to go for butterfly-watching the most. 

What is the ecological Importance of butterflies in the National Park? 

Butterflies are not just an attractive species to observe but they also play an important role when it comes to the ecosystem of the national park. You must be aware that butterflies are pollinators. So they play an important role in fertilization in plants which means they help them in reproducing new species. So, it indicated that butterflies help in enhancing the flora of the park which contributes a lot to the life of the wildlife living there. Their presence also serves as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. It is really important to understand the connection between the three: butterflies, plants and other wildlife are really important in order to keep the habitat preserved and healthy. 

Tips for Butterfly-Watching:

It is really important to go with some tips when stating something new let it be any kind of adventure. So for the people who are planning to begin their butterfly-watching adventure in the Kanha National Park, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind as they are going to help you in enhancing your experience there. 

● Before going for butterfly- watching you should know about the different species of butterflies and also about their habits as it will help you in knowing where exactly you can find them and also will help you in recognizing them. 

● As you all know butterflies are small species, so if you want to observe them closely you must bring binoculars on the visit. 

● It is highly advised to wear clothing with can help you merge with the surrounding. You can wear clothes of dull colors. So be careful while packing clothes for the visit, as color plays an important role there. You can wear colors such as olive, grey, green, etc. 

● You should hire a professional guide as he can actually enhance your trip as he can provide lots of valuable information about the park and butterflies and can also help you in spotting exclusive species.