Euthalia zubeengargi
Why in News?
Euthalia zubeengargi is a newly discovered butterfly species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It is primarily in the news as a unique scientific tribute to the late Assamese cultural icon and singer, Zubeen Garg.
Key Information
- Scientific Classification: The butterfly belongs to the subgenus Limbusa within the genus Euthalia, a group widespread across South and Southeast Asia.
- Common Name: Researchers have proposed the name "Basar Duke" for the species, reflecting its discovery site.
- Discovery Location: It was identified in the Basar region of the Leparada district in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Physical Appearance:
- Wings: Distinguished by olive-brown upper wings adorned with white markings or pale spots.
- Underside: Features a vibrant turquoise-green underside, which is a key distinguishing feature from related species.
- Habitat & Behaviour:
- Environment: It thrives in semi-evergreen forests at elevations between 600 and 750 metres.
- Diet: Observed feeding on tree sap and gathering minerals from damp surfaces near streams.
- Activity: Most active from late morning to early afternoon, typically making short, slow flights in shaded forest interiors.
- Conservation Status: Due to its highly localised presence and extremely low recorded numbers, experts have raised urgent concerns regarding its conservation and the protection of its humid forest habitat.
- Research Team: The discovery was led by Roshan Upadhaya (known as the 'Butterfly Man of Arunachal Pradesh') and Kalesh Sadasivan of the Travancore Natural History Society.
