Like the marine fish, there has been very limited research on the invertebrates of Pakistan. Known species probably represent a very small portion of the actual number present in the country.

There are more than 700 recorded marine species (Ahmad, 1986). These are the best known group of invertebrates and include crustaceans (animals with hard outer covering such as crab, shrimp and prawn) and molluscs (300 in number and include shellfish). Crustaceans and molluscs are of significant economic importance to Pakistan, as they are one of the major sources of export revenue.

Insects

Currently, more than 5000 species of insects have been recorded in Pakistan (PMNH data). The best known insects are the butterflies and the total number of species probably exceeds 400. Those inhabiting the high altitudes are mainly endemic. In the northern mountains alone 85 species of endemic butterflies have been recorded.

Number of species

(PMNH data)