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New Silverline Butterfly Species Discovered in Western Ghats After 33 Years

January 16, 2024

GS Paper III Environment

Context:

Recently, a new species of Silverline butterfly has been recognized within the biodiversity-rich regions of the Western Ghats in India. 

New Silverline Butterfly Species Discovered in Karnataka

  • The findings were officially published in the journal Zootaxa.
  • The documented specimens were located in Honey Valley within the Kodagu district of Karnataka.
  • It was first spotted in 2008 by Krushnamegh Kunte during a 2008 field trip to Iruppu Falls in Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary but came under extensive research in 2021.

About New Silverline Butterfly

  • This unique species is named Cigaritis conjunctiva or the “conjoined silverline.” 
  • Naming and Identification: Named “conjoined silverline” due to its distinctive wing pattern.
  • Classification: It belongs to the Lycaenidae family.
    • In India, there are 16 species of silverline butterflies.  11 of them are found in both peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

Habitat and Location of Silverline Butterfly

  • Primarily found in dense mid-elevation evergreen forests in Honey Valley, Kodagu district, Karnataka.
  • It marks the second endemic species discovered in the Western Ghats.

Distinct Wing Patterns Silverline Butterfly

  • Appears similar at a distance but unique upon closer inspection.
  • Fused bands on the underside of the wings set it apart.

Silverline butterfly

About Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary

  • Location: Situated in the southern part of the Kodagu district in Karnataka.
  • Name Origin: Named after its highest peak, Brahmagiri Hill.
  • River: The sanctuary is the origin point of River Laxmantirtha, a significant tributary of the Cauvery River.
  • Vegetation: Encompasses semi-evergreen to wet evergreen forests, high-altitude grasslands, and shoal forests.
  • Flora: Diverse plant species include Rosewood, Nandi, Mathi, Honne, Sura Honne, White Cedar, Red Cedar, and Saldhupa.
  • Fauna: Abundance of wildlife, with notable species such as Tigers, Elephants, and Indian Gaur being commonly found.
  • Biodiversity: The sanctuary showcases rich biodiversity with its varied ecosystems and serves as a vital conservation area in the region.


News Source: DownToEarth

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