A unique Lepidopteran assemblage in primary forest understory of central Sri Lanka

摘要: Abstract Sri Lankan Lepidopterans are diverse and increasingly inhabit areas undergoing rapid anthropogenic change. We examined butterfly assemblages in five habitat types central Lanka, an area with a mosaic of (primary and secondary forest, wetland margins, shrubland, home gardens). Sixteen quadrats each type were repeat-sampled. Quadrats differed proportional cover different microhabitats microclimate. Butterfly abundance richness lowest primary forests (PFs). Assemblages butterflies generally similar across all the exception PFs, which featured unique assemblage. This study reinforces importance PFs conservation as it harbors relatively low-abundance assemblage species.