POLA SEBARAN KUPU-KUPU (PAPILIONOIDEA) DI RIPARIAN SUNGAI DESA BAKUBAKULU, KECAMATAN PALOLO, KABUPATEN SIGI, SULAWESI TENGAH

Abstract

Distribution patterns serve as a critical indicator for understanding the ecological dynamics of species within their natural habitats. This study aims to examine the distribution patterns of butterfly species (Papilionoidea) in the riparian zone of Bakubakulu Village, Palolo Subdistrict, Central Sulawesi. Data were collected using a 1,000-meter line transect method with direct observations conducted from morning to midday. A total of 88 individuals representing 25 species from four families were recorded. Analysis using the Morisita Index (Iδ) revealed that 64% of the species exhibited a clumped distribution pattern, 12% displayed a uniform distribution, and 24% could not be analyzed due to low individual counts. Species with clumped distributions were generally associated with habitat patches rich in essential resources, such as host plants and nectar sources. Additionally, nine endemic species of Sulawesi and one protected species (Troides helena) were recorded within the study area. These findings suggest that butterfly distribution in the riparian zone is strongly influenced by habitat characteristics, resource availability, and the ecological preferences of individual species.