Sampling Method and species identification
Sampling was carried out using a combination of aerial/butterfly net,
random walk and count and Charaxes trap. Direct count of individuals
were recorded along all the three zones and random walk sampling
involving two individuals were employed during each visit throughout the
sampling period. Four Charaxes traps (90cm in height), meant to attract
alcohol-loving species or those attracted to fermenting fruits were set
randomly (200m apart) to avoid bias in each zone during the sampling
period (Figure1). Aerial/butterfly net was also used to capture
butterflies, especially those which were not easily identifiable in
flight. The net was swung swiftly around butterflies in flight. The
Charaxes traps were retrieved every six days between 7:00am and 10:00am
for catches and reset throughout the sampling period, complementing it
with random walk and count in each zone. Trapped butterflies were killed
by pinching the thorax gently, but firmly and placed in labelled
envelopes for morphological identification in the lab. Butterflies were
identified to species level with reference to the collection at the
Entomology Museum at Department of Animal Biology and Conservation
Science, University of Ghana. Floral density and diversity in each zone
was visually identified and counted.