Zographetus mathewi – Butterfly Species
Location - A new butterfly species, Zographetus mathewi, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
This discovery is the result of collaborative fieldwork and taxonomic research by experts from:
- Travancore Nature History Society (TNHS)
- Institute of Tropical Research, Ecology and Conservation (INTREC), Thiruvananthapuram
- Zoological Survey of India
Western Ghats is one of the world’s 8 “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity.
- Discovered by – A team of lepidopterists (a person who studies or collects butterflies and moths).
- Nomenclature - The butterfly is named in honour of George Mathew, a prominent Indian entomologist and former head of the Kerala Forest Research Institute’s Entomology Division.
- Family – Hesperiidae.
- Common name - Sahyadri Spotted Flitter, referencing the local name for the Western Ghats.
- Genus - It is the 15th species in the genus Zographetus and the 5th recorded in India.
- It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species group.
- Appearance - Yellow-ochre scaling on the underside of the hindwing, hairy forewings with a basal hair tuft, and swollen forewing veins in males, which serve as secondary sexual characteristics.
- Distinct Features - It is noted for its unique wing venation (the pattern of veins on an insect's wing) and secondary sexual traits such as swollen forewing veins in males.
- It also exhibits distinct genital structures in both males and females, key features that distinguish it from similar species such as Zographetus ogygia.
- Diet - The larvae feed on Aganope thyrsiflora, a native leguminous vine from the Fabaceae family.
- Conservation Significance - The discovery highlights the rich, unexplored biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
- It also emphasizes the need to conserve low-elevation forests that harbour such rare, endemic butterflies.
Key traits and habitat of Zographetus Mathewi
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- This newly identified butterfly stands out due to its yellow-ochre scaling on the underside of the hindwing, hairy forewings with a basal hair tuft, and swollen forewing veins in males, which serve as secondary sexual characteristics.
- It also exhibits distinct genital structures in both males and females—key features that distinguish it from similar species such as Zographetus ogygia.Although adult sightings are extremely rare—only one adult specimen has been documented—researchers found several larvae and pupae in the wild, suggesting the species may have a broader distribution than previously believed.
- The larvae feed on Aganope thyrsiflora, a native leguminous vine from the Fabaceae family. Observations were made in various lowland forested areas across Kerala, including Kallar, Shendurney, Edamalayar, and Nilambur, all located at elevations below 600 metres. These findings confirm that Z. Mathewi is endemic to the low-elevation tropical forests of the Western Ghats, an ecosystem that continues to yield remarkablebiodiversity discoveries through ongoing scientific research.
Why this discovery of new butterfly matters for biodiversity and conservation
The identification of Zographetus Mathewi holds more than just taxonomic value—it draws attention to the fragile ecosystems of lowland forests, which are often ignored in conservation planning. The discovery highlights the need for:
- Detailed field surveys and scientific documentation
- Conservation of lesser-known habitats rich in endemic species
- Public awareness about India’s hidden biodiversity
Moreover, this finding aligns with the Kerala government’s recent declaration of Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary as India’s first official butterfly sanctuary, showcasing a growing commitment to butterfly conservation in the state.Zographetus Mathewi is more than just a new butterfly—it’s a symbol of the biological richness that still lies hidden in India’s forests. Its discovery not only adds to our understanding of native butterfly fauna but also serves as a call to action for stronger habitat protection, especially in biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats.
Reference
The Hindu| Zographetus Mathewi
TIMES OF INDIA | Zographetus Mathewi
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