Abstract

Captive breeding of organisms for possible reintroduction in species conservation programmes is well recognized. Insect breeding centres, particularly butterfly farms, are the major attraction in many countries. However, in India not much progress has been made on these lines. In the present study an attempt was made to standardise a methodology for captive breeding of butterflies under Kerala conditions. General information on the butterflies found in a given locality, their habitat preferences as well as factors affecting survival is very essential for the success of any captive breeding programme. Build up of infra-structure and standardisation of a breeding programme for the species selected are also very important. In this study , a general survey was made on species found in KFRI campus at different seasons and their number monitored. Based on data gathered, the common rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae) and the southern birdwing (Troides minos) which breed on Aristolochia indica were selected for mass rearing. Attempts to maintain their population through out the year in the insectory was not successful mainly due to defects of the insectory and therefore attempts were made to lure butterflies into the garden by planting appropriate larval andadult host plants and by offering suitable ecological conditions through landscaping. General facilities required for a 'butterfly house' are also briefly discussed