In Yunnan, butterflies getting close scrutiny

Research teams from the Kunming Institute of Zoology have recently completed a comprehensive and more reliable list of butterflies in Yunnan province, on the basis of long-term observations of the creatures' diversity and evolution.

The list includes 1,300 species of butterflies belonging to 356 genera in six families, providing important reference points for research and diversity conservation, a statement released by the institute said.

Research results indicate that the genera and species of butterflies in Yunnan account for a respective 79.8 percent and 58.6 percent of the total genera and species in China, indicating that Yunnan has extremely high butterfly diversity.

After identifying the genera and species of the butterflies, research teams will also study their evolution, the relationship between morphology and environment and the genetic situation. The studies are expected to contribute more to biodiversity conservation in the country, they said.