Study on species composition and their abundance was carried out in different habitats (from natural forest to agricultural land) and altitudes (from 750 m to highest peak, of Ngoc Linh 2598 m) in Ngoc Linh natural reserve, Kon Tum province in March and April in two years 2004 and 2006. Studied habitats were grass, shrub, and agricultural land from 1000 to 1600 m
regenerating forest at elevation 1700 m
primary forest or little disturbed at elevation 1800 to 2500 m
mountain peaks at elevation 2500 to 2598 m
and primary forest, secondary forest, shrub and grass at elevation 750 to 900 m. The survey times were from 8:00 to 16:30, but on mountain peaks 9:00 to 12:00. Some butterfly specimens were collected for identification and the relative abundance of species were recorded at different habitats. Total 222 species belonging to 11 families were identified. Among them, two species (Teinopalpus imperialis and Troides helena) found in Ngoc Linh are listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and CITES. Most of the species are rare with 1 - 2 individuals recorded at each habitat (134 species
60 percent total species)
84 species (38 percent total species) with 3 to 10 individuals. Only four very abundant species have more than 10 individuals (2 percent total species). Species Catopsilia pomona is the most abundant species. The other abundant species are Cyrestis thyodamas, Udara dilecta, and Heliophorus smaragdinus. The number of spscies decreases with increasing altitudes. Based on habitat preferences and species abundance, some butterfly species of families Satyridae, Nymphalidae and Riodinidae can be used as forest indicators. They are Penthema darlisa, Lethe siderea, L. latiaris, Neope pulaha, Orinoma damaris. and Ragadia critias (Sat}iridae)
Neptis sankara, Euthalia' francias. and Neurosigma siva (Nymphalidae)
Abirasa fylla, Dodona ouida, and Para/axita dora (Ridinodae). Especially, Teinopalpus imperialis only seen on mountain tops can be used as an indicator of forest on mountain tops.