Butterflies are important pollinators and indicators of environmental health. Habitat destruction 12 and fragmentation caused by developmental activities and poor natural resource management 13 are the main reasons for the drastic decline of butterfly populations throughout the world, and 14 prompt the need for effective conservation management. We assessed the diversity, richness, 15 seasonal distribution and conservation priorities of butterflies in an inner-city parkland habitat 16 (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh) and investigated the biotic, and abiotic factors affecting 17 butterfly diversity. A total of 93 species from 5 families were recorded from January to 18 December 2014. Nymphalidae and Papilionidae were the most and least dominant families in 19 terms of species number. Butterflies across families generally selected nectar plants randomly, 20 although some showed preference towards herbs. Spatial interpolation of butterfly richness 21 indicated that the most suitable area was around Curzon Hall, an area containing different types 22 of vegetation. Precipitation was the only abiotic factor with a significant relationship with 23 butterfly species richness. The establishment of green areas with complex structural vegetation 24 will improve microclimatic conditions for butterflies, promoting healthier urban ecosystems, 25 and the conservation of butterflies and other associated species in inner-city areas. 26