This study examines the butterfly diversity of Chilkigarh, a heritage village and a well-known tourist attraction in the Jhargram subdivision of West Bengal, India. Using standard sampling methods, various diversity indices were assessed to analyze the butterfly community composition. During a year (December 2021 to November 2022), a total of 59 species from 6 families and 14 subfamilies were recorded, with a significant species-to-genus ratio of 1.31:1. Among them, 11 species are listed under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The Nymphalidae family emerged as the most dominant, comprising 42.3% of the total species documented. Relative abundance analysis identified 10 species as subdominant, while no species showed dominant status. The diversity indices suggest that Chilkigarh supports a rich butterfly population. This preliminary study serves as a foundation for further research on species identification, host and nectar plants, as well as seasonal variations in butterfly populations.
