Earlier, it would be visible from April to October-November. Now, species like Pieris, Urema and Papillion are found in the wild in March. While, other varieties are making its presence felt in Koshi and Bardiya conservation areas in December. Pieris, which usually lives in 1,800 meters, has moved up to 2,200 meters. Of the 14 families, belonging to 650 species, 11 are found in Nepal.

At a conservative estimate, the Nepali capital Kathmandu Valley and its fringes are home to around 369 species of butterfly.

Dr Dinesh Raj Bhuju, chief of Science and Technology at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, attributed the drastic changes to global warming.

There has been an annual rise in mercury by .06 degree Celsius. Rampant deforestation, destruction of habitat, haphazard industrialization and unscientific use of pesticides and insecticides have gradually sounded a death knell for the rich and diverse fauna in Nepal, he said.

Editor:Liu Fang