How many species of Butterflies are found in India?

More than 17, 000 species of butterflies are found all over the world. Of these, India is home to about 1500 species of butterflies which constitute 65% of total Indian fauna. The largest butterfly with a wing span of 190mm is the Southern Birdwing and the tiniest is the Grass Jewel with a 15mm wingspan. Northeast India, Kerala, Bangalore, Arunachal Pradesh, Himalayas, Nilgiri Hills, Rohtang pass, Tiger Hills in J&K, Western Ghats and Assam are the prominent areas in the country harboring maximum species. Various ecosystems of our country support different species of butterflies. The Western Ghats alone supports 330  species, out of which 48 are endemic to Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve. About 50% of Butterfly species of India is found in the state of Assam.