Butterfly Biodiversity - Key Notes &15 Top MCQs for UPSC

Butterflies are colourful insects that play a key role in pollination and indicate the health of ecosystems. Their diversity reflects environmental balance, habitat quality, and plant availability. From forests to gardens, butterflies thrive in areas rich in flowering plants, making them essential contributors to ecological stability and biodiversity conservation worldwide.

Butterfly biodiversity covers their species richness, adaptation strategies, life cycles, and habitat preferences. Studying butterflies helps us understand climate change impacts, evolution, host plant relationships, and ecological interactions. Their sensitivity to environmental changes makes them excellent bioindicators, helping scientists and conservationists assess ecosystem health, restoration success, and pollution levels across regions.

How "Butterfly Biodiversity" Is Useful for UPSC & Other Exams

Butterfly biodiversity is important for UPSC because it connects ecology, environment, climate change, species conservation, food chains, and bioindicator concepts. Questions often appear in prelims, especially on pollination, life cycles, hotspot regions, conservation projects, and habitat loss. Understanding butterflies enhances conceptual clarity for environmental science, biology, and geography-related sections across competitive exams.

Quick Revision Notes - Butterfly Biodiversity

Keyword Definitions (UPSC / SSC / RRB / SEBI / IBPS / NDA Exams)

• Biodiversity: The variety of species, genetic traits, and ecosystems within a region. Higher biodiversity ensures ecological stability, resilience to disturbances, and healthier interactions among organisms, including butterflies and their host plants.

• Pollination: A process where pollen is transferred between flowers by agents like butterflies. Pollination supports plant reproduction, ecosystem diversity, and food production, making butterflies vital pollinators.

• Larval Host Plant: A specific plant species on which butterfly caterpillars feed. Each butterfly species depends on certain host plants, influencing survival, distribution, and population stability.

• Metamorphosis: The transformation of a butterfly from egg to caterpillar, pupa, and adult. This complete life cycle demonstrates adaptation and survival strategies under different environmental conditions.

• Bioindicator: A species whose presence or absence reveals environmental health. Butterflies serve as bioindicators because they respond quickly to habitat changes, pollution, and climate variations.

• Nectar Plants: Flowering plants providing nectar to butterflies. Availability of nectar plants supports adult butterfly populations and influences feeding behaviour and habitat selection across landscapes.

• Habitat Fragmentation: Breaking large habitats into smaller patches affects butterfly movement, breeding, and food access. Fragmentation threatens species diversity and increases extinction risks.

• Endemic Species: Species found only in a specific region. Many butterflies are endemic to biodiversity hotspots, highlighting the importance of conservation in those sensitive areas.

• Migration: Seasonal movement of some butterfly species for food, breeding, or climate needs. The Painted Lady and Monarch butterflies are globally known migratory species.

• Camouflage: A defensive adaptation where butterflies blend with their surroundings to avoid predators. Wing patterns, colours, and shapes help butterflies hide effectively in natural habitats.

• Hotspots: Biodiverse regions with high endemism and severe habitat loss. Butterfly-rich hotspots in India include the Western Ghats, the Himalayas, and Northeast India.

Message to Students: Keep learning with curiosity. Understanding butterflies strengthens ecology concepts and boosts exam performance across multiple competitive exams.

Multiple Choice Questions - Butterfly Biodiversity

---

🌿 STRAIGHT MCQs

1. Which butterfly is famous for long-distance migration?
a) Common Mormon
b) Monarch Butterfly
c) Peacock Butterfly
d) Blue Tiger

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The Monarch Butterfly migrates thousands of kilometres annually across continents, guided by environmental cues and inherited navigation abilities. It is among the world’s most iconic migratory butterflies. Answer: b

2. Butterflies belong to which order of insects?
a) Hemiptera
b) Diptera
c) Lepidoptera
d) Coleoptera

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Butterflies and moths belong to the order Lepidoptera, characterised by scaled wings, complete metamorphosis and diverse feeding behaviours in larvae and adults. Answer: c

3. Which region in India is richest in butterfly biodiversity?
a) Thar Desert
b) Western Ghats
c) Deccan Plateau
d) Indo-Gangetic Plain

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The Western Ghats contain diverse habitats, high endemism and favourable climate, supporting large butterfly populations. It is one of India’s most important biodiversity hotspots. Answer: b

4. Which stage of a butterfly is responsible for maximum feeding?
a) Egg
b) Adult
c) Pupa
d) Larva (Caterpillar)

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The larval stage feeds actively, consuming large amounts of host plant leaves to support rapid growth and energy storage before metamorphosis. Answer: d

5. Butterflies primarily locate flowers using:
a) Sound
b) Vibrations
c) Colour and smell
d) Ultrasonic waves

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Butterflies are attracted to brightly coloured flowers and scents produced by nectar plants, helping them identify feeding and pollination sources. Answer: c

🌿 FILL IN THE BLANKS

6. The transformation of a butterfly from egg to adult is called ______.
a) Evolution
b) Metamorphosis
c) Regeneration
d) Cloning

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Metamorphosis describes the complete transformation through egg, larva, pupa and adult stages, allowing butterflies to adapt to ecological and physiological needs across life stages. Answer: b

7. Butterfly caterpillars mainly feed on ______.
a) Leaves
b) Nectar
c) Pollen
d) Fruits

Press Here for Answer & Explanation.

Caterpillars are herbivores, feeding primarily on specific host plant leaves, supporting growth needed for metamorphosis. Answer: a

8. A butterfly uses its ______ to sip nectar from flowers.
a) Antennae
b) Legs
c) Proboscis
d) Wings

Press Here for Answer & Explanation.

The proboscis is a long, coiled feeding tube used by butterflies to drink nectar, enabling efficient feeding on various flowering plants. Answer: c

9. The Painted Lady is known for ______ migration.
a) Short
b) Altitudinal
c) Long-distance
d) Circular

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The Painted Lady travels thousands of kilometres annually, making it one of the longest-distance migrating butterfly species globally. Answer: c

🌿 STATEMENT-BASED MCQs

10. Consider the following statements:
1. All butterflies migrate long distances.
2. Many butterfly species act as bioindicators.
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both
d) None

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Most butterflies are non-migratory, but many species serve as bioindicators due to sensitivity to habitat changes. Answer: b

11. Statements:
1. Butterfly wings help regulate body temperature.
2. Wing colours are used for camouflage and mating displays.
a) Only 1
b) Only 2
c) Both
d) None

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Butterfly wings assist thermoregulation and support camouflage, signalling and mate attraction through vibrant colours or patterns. Answer: c

🌿 ASSERTION–REASON MCQs

12. Assertion (A): Butterflies are highly sensitive to habitat changes.
Reason (R): They require specific host and nectar plants.
a) A and R correct; R explains A
b) A and R correct; R does not explain A
c) A correct; R incorrect
d) A incorrect; R correct

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Butterflies depend heavily on specific host and nectar plants. Slight changes affect survival, making them sensitive bioindicator species. Answer: a

13. Assertion (A): Climate change affects butterfly migration patterns.
Reason (R): Temperature changes disturb breeding cycles and food sources.
a) Both true; R explains A
b) Both true; R does not explain A
c) A true; R false
d) Both false

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Climate change influences flowering seasons, host plants and breeding cycles, directly altering migration timing and routes of butterflies. Answer: a

🌿 MATCHING MODEL MCQs

List I	List II
A. Monarch	(i) Toxic Defence
B. Blue Mormon	(ii) India’s Largest Butterfly
C. Common Rose	(iii) Long Migration
D. Painted Lady	(iv) Global Migration
Options: a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv b) A-ii, B-i, C-iv, D-iii c) A-iii, B-ii, C-i, D-iv d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

Monarchs migrate long distances, Blue Mormon is India’s largest butterfly, Common Rose uses toxins for defence and Painted Lady migrates globally. Answer: c

List I	List II
A. Pupa	(i) Transformation Stage
B. Caterpillar	(ii) Feeding Stage
C. Adult Butterfly	(iii) First Stage
D. Egg	(iv) Reproductive Stage
Options: a) A-i, B-ii, C-iii, D-iv b) A-i, B-ii, C-iv, D-iii c) A-iii, B-iv, C-i, D-ii d) A-iv, B-iii, C-ii, D-i

Press Here for Answer & Explanation

The pupa transforms, caterpillar feeds heavily, adult butterfly reproduces and egg is the first developmental stage, completing the life cycle. Answer: b

Final Message for Aspirants: Butterflies show how ecosystems work. Keep exploring biodiversity to strengthen your UPSC understanding and environmental awareness.

Short Answer Questions - Butterfly Biodiversity

Here are 10 Short Answer Questions on Butterfly Biodiversity, UPSC-friendly, clear, and concept-based:

1. Why are butterflies important for ecosystems?

Butterflies aid pollination, support plant reproduction, indicate habitat health, and serve as food for other species, making them essential contributors to ecosystem stability and biodiversity balance.

2. What makes butterflies good bioindicators?

Butterflies respond quickly to habitat loss, pollution, temperature changes and climate variations. Their population shifts reveal environmental disturbances, ecosystem degradation, and the effectiveness of conservation efforts.

3. What is the role of larval host plants?

Larval host plants provide essential food for caterpillars, support growth, determine butterfly distribution, influence survival rates, and maintain species-specific ecological relationships crucial for biodiversity conservation.

4. How does metamorphosis help butterflies survive?

Metamorphosis enables butterflies to exploit different habitats and food sources at each stage, reducing competition, improving survival chances, and allowing flexible adaptation to environmental changes.

5. Why is butterfly migration significant?

Migration helps butterflies escape harsh climates, access food, breed successfully, and survive seasonal changes, demonstrating remarkable navigation abilities and ecological adaptation across long distances.

6. How do butterflies contribute to pollination?

Butterflies transfer pollen while feeding on nectar, connecting plant species, improving genetic diversity, enabling seed formation, and supporting flowering plant survival in diverse natural ecosystems.

7. What threats affect butterfly biodiversity most?

Habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, invasive species, pollution, and fragmentation disrupt butterfly life cycles, food availability, breeding success, and population stability globally.

8. Why do butterflies have colourful wings?

Wing colours help butterflies attract mates, camouflage from predators, regulate temperature, warn enemies of toxicity, and communicate signals essential for survival in natural habitats.

9. What is the importance of biodiversity hotspots for butterflies?

Hotspots contain rich butterfly diversity, high endemism, and critical habitats needing protection. They support unique species and contribute significantly to global ecological stability and conservation priorities.

10. How can butterfly populations be conserved?

Conservation needs planting native host plants, reducing pesticide use, protecting habitats, restoring ecosystems, maintaining corridors, monitoring populations, and promoting awareness to sustain butterfly biodiversity long-term.

Advanced Reading - Butterfly Biodiversity

A stunning butterfly showcases its vivid wing patterns while perched on a leaf, capturing the charm of nature

If you are a nature lover, you must have seen a butterfly hovering near flowers. In addition to being beautiful to look at, butterflies are essential to the natural ecology. In this article, you will learn why butterflies are important, how their biodiversity keeps our environment balanced, and how you can personally help conserve them. This topic is not only interesting but will also enrich your understanding of environmental consciousness and biology. You will feel an emotional connection with butterflies while reading this article.

Butterfly - Summary Table

Section	Summary
Importance of Butterflies	They help in pollination, food chains, soil health, and education.
Diverse Species	India has 1,800+ species, like the Blue Tiger and the Jezebel.
Life Cycle	Four stages—egg, larva, pupa, and adult—called metamorphosis.
Habitats & Food	Need flower gardens, nectar, organic farms, and mud-puddling spots.
Threats	Pesticides, climate change, pollution, and habitat loss reduce numbers.
Conservation Steps	Grow native plants, avoid chemicals, build gardens, and raise awareness.

How do butterflies contribute to ecological balance?

Butterflies are not just beautiful-looking creatures; they play an extremely important role in pollination, the food chain, and ecological balance.

• Butterflies are natural pollinators, carrying pollen from one flower to another from flowers and increasing the productivity of crops.

• By becoming the food of birds and other insectivorous creatures, they play a crucial role in maintaining the biodiversity of the food chain.

• The presence of butterflies indicates the ecological health of an area, allowing scientists to gauge the quality of the environment.

• Butterflies contribute to soil fertility, as their life cycle is closely linked to soil and vegetation.

• For children and students, they are a powerful tool to develop an interest in biology, thereby promoting environmental education.

What are the diverse Species of Butterflies?

With over 1,800 species in India and over 20,000 species worldwide, butterfly biodiversity is surprisingly abundant.

• Common butterflies in India include the Common Jezebel, Blue Tiger, Lemon Pansy, and Common Mormon, which appear in different seasons.

• The Himalayan regions have special species, such as the Apollo butterfly, which is found at high altitudes.

• Located in South India, the Malabar Banded Peacock butterfly is a beautiful butterfly that thrives in damp environments.

• With a wingspan of up to 25 cm, the Queen Alexandra Birdwing, the largest butterfly in the world, is native to Papua New Guinea.

• Each species of butterfly has a different wing pattern that helps them to be identified and protects them from predators. 

Most Popular Butterfly Species

Butterfly Name	Key Features
Monarch Butterfly	Famous for its long migration, orange and black wings.
Common Jezebel	Found across India, white wings with a yellow-red underside.
Blue Tiger	Dark brown wings with pale blue streaks; migratory.
Swallowtail Butterfly	Large wings with tail-like extensions; vibrant colors.
Common Mormon	Black with white spots; mimics other species for protection.
Peacock Butterfly	Eye-like spots on wings; found in Europe and Asia.
Queen Alexandra's Birdwing	The world’s largest butterfly; found in Papua New Guinea.

What are the stages in the life cycle of butterflies?

The life cycle of butterflies consists of four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult butterfly.

• The leaves of particular plants known as "host plants" are where the butterfly deposits its eggs.

• The larva (caterpillar) that emerges from the egg feeds at a rapid rate, which causes it to grow rapidly in size.

• The larva forms a shell around its body, called a pupa or chrysalis, and this stage is very important.

• The transformation of the butterfly takes place inside this pupa, which is called metamorphosis.

• Eventually, the adult butterfly emerges from the pupa, which can fly and pollinate.

The complete metamorphosis of a butterfly from egg to caterpillar, chrysalis, and finally a winged adult

Where do butterflies find their food sources?

Butterflies are found in certain types of habitats and plants, which are necessary for their life cycle and food.

• Flower-rich gardens, forest areas, grasslands, and shrublands are considered suitable for butterflies.

• Butterflies drink nectar mainly from flowers, but caterpillars eat leaves.

• Some butterflies also get nutrition from fruit juices, rotting plants, and mud, which is called mud-puddling.

• Areas with organic farming and plant diversity are ideal for butterflies, where they get safe and adequate food.

• Butterfly species depend on local climate and weather, so regional diversity matters a lot.

A butterfly plays a vital role in pollination by transferring pollen as it feeds on floral nectar

What is Butterfly Biodiversity Crisis?

Butterfly numbers are seeing a huge decline, the main reason for which is anthropogenic activities.

• Excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers affects the egg and larval stages of butterflies.

• Deforestation and urbanization are destroying the natural habitats of butterflies, leading to their extinction.

• Climate change disrupts the life process of butterflies, as their life cycle and seasons are interlinked.

• Pollution and excessive light use affect the navigation and behavior of butterflies, restricting their movement.

• Illegal collection and trade also pose a threat to many species, especially rare and beautiful butterflies.

How can you conserve the butterfly population?

If you really want to save the world of butterflies, you can take small steps in your home and community.

• Plant pollinating plants such as marigolds, hibiscus, and lavender in your garden, which attract butterflies.

• Replace chemical pesticides with organic and natural alternatives, which do not harm the environment.

• Give preference to local plants, as butterflies are attached to those plants.

• Contact your municipal corporation for a butterfly garden or butterfly park, which will make mass conservation possible.

• Educate children about butterflies so that they develop sensitivity towards nature.

A beautiful butterfly perches on a flower, adding color and life to its natural surroundings

Conclusion

Butterflies are not just a symbol of beauty; they are an important part of the life cycle of our Earth. The next time you see a butterfly flying, think of it not as just a colorful flying object, but as a messenger, telling you that nature is still alive if we protect it. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or a common citizen, your role in the conservation of butterflies can be very important.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	Butterfly Identification – Coursera Insect Biodiversity – edX Pollinator Conservation – FutureLearn
Reference Books	The Book of Indian Butterflies – Isaac Kehimkar Butterflies of the World – Adrian Hoskins Life Cycles of Butterflies – Judy Burris
Websites	butterfliesofindia.in nationalbutterflycenter.org si.edu