Butterflies in the Agro-ecosystem of Brgy. San Jose, Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines

Butterflies are sensitive towards changes in the environment. Therefore, they are often used as bioindicators on the status and health of the environment. The study was conducted in Tinago, San Jose, Koronadal City to provide baseline information on the species composition of butterfly fauna specifically in the agro-ecosystem. Using opportunistic rapid sampling, it revealed 16 species of butterflies belonging to 4 families and 14 genera. The dominant family is Pieridae (38%), followed by Nymphalidae (31%), Lycaenidae (25%) and Papilionidae (6%). The data further showed all species are classified as common and one species is endemic in Mindanao, Eurema alitha alitha. An endangered butterfly listed in Appendix II of CITES, Troides rhadamantus rhadamantus, was also recorded in the area.

Keywords: endangered, endemic, Pieridae, opportunistic rapid sampling, Mindanao