First records of Iraota timoleon (Stoll, 1790) (Lepidoptera) and Indothemis carnatica (Fabricius, 1798) (Odonata) from Jharkhand, India: Additions to the Butterfly and Odonate faunal checklist of Canary Hill

Abstract

This study reports the first records of Iraota timoleon and Indothemis carnatica from Jharkhand, contributing additional records to the known lepidopteran and odonate fauna of Canary Hill. Surveys conducted across three habitat types, i.e. Plantation and Built-up Patches (PBP), Protected/Dense Forest (PDF), and Peripheral Natural Woodland/Wetland (PNW), documented a total of 68 butterfly species belonging to five families, with Nymphalidae being the most represented (26 species). Species richness was comparatively higher in PBP (39.6%), followed by PDF (38.6%), and lower in PNW (21.8%). Conservation assessment indicated that one species is listed under Schedule I and nine species under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. A total of 28 odonate species were recorded, with Libellulidae representing the dominant family (18 species). Among the surveyed habitats, PNW supported the highest odonate richness (22 species), followed by PBP (15 species), whereas PDF showed comparatively lower richness (six species). Most odonate species were categorized as Least Concern according to the IUCN Red List, while one species was classified as Data Deficient. The present findings suggest that Canary Hill supports a considerable diversity of butterflies and odonates across both natural and human-modified habitats. However, considering the relatively short sampling duration and the absence of seasonal replication, the results should be interpreted as preliminary baseline observations rather than a comprehensive assessment of regional biodiversity patterns or habitat suitability. Nevertheless, the study provides useful faunistic information and highlights the need for long-term and seasonally replicated surveys to better understand the ecological significance and conservation status of the area.