Journal of Threatened
Taxa | www.threatenedtaxa.org | 26 July 2026 | 18(7): 29269–29286
ISSN 0974-7907 (Online) | ISSN 0974-7893 (Print)
https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10468.18.7.29269-29286
#10468 | Received 16 February 2026 | Final received 07 June 2026| Finally
accepted 16 June 2026
An updated checklist and new
records of butterfly species in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (western Himalaya),
Uttarakhand, India
Anand Kumar 1 , Priyanshu Kumar 2 ,
Gourav
Lochan 3 , Prachi Arya 4 & Rajeev Lochan 5
1–4 Department of Zoology, HNB
Garhwal University Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India.
5 Department of Zoology, HNB Garhwal University SRT Campus Badshahithaul
Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India.
1 akumar.ags@gmail.com, 2 priyanshuk.7055@gmail.com,
3 gouravlochan12@gmail.com, 4 aryaprachi7055@gmail.com,
5 rajeevlochan88@gmail.com
(corresponding author)
Editor: Mitrajit Deb, Assam University, Silchar,
India. Date of publication: 26 July 2026 (online & print)
Citation: Kumar,
A., P. Kumar, G. Lochan, P. Arya & R. Lochan (2026). An updated
checklist and new records of butterfly species in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary
(western Himalaya), Uttarakhand, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 18(7): 29269–29286. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.10468.18.7.29269-29286
Copyright: © Kumar et al. 2026. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
JoTT allows unrestricted use, reproduction, and distribution of this article in
any medium by providing adequate credit to the author(s) and the source of
publication.
Funding: There was no funding to carry out this research work.
Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.
Author details: Dr. Anand Kumar is an Assistant Professor at the
Department of Zoology, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University (HNBGU). His
research focuses on molecular ecology, habitat
ecology, and the conservation of high-elevation fauna. He currently leads the
Avifauna Himalaya Research Group . Priyanshu Kumar is a member of the Avifauna
Himalaya Research Group and his research interests include avian ecology, biodiversity conservation, wildlife ecology, and Himalayan
ecosystems. Prachi Arya is a member of the Avifauna
Himalaya Research Group and her research
focuses on Himalayan biodiversity, wildlife ecology, and conservation biology. Gourav Lochan is a PhD scholar at HNBGU. His
research focuses on freshwater ecology and wetland birds, with particular
emphasis on the ecology and conservation of the Brown Dipper and Himalayan
freshwater ecosystems. Rajeev Lochan research specializes in soundscape
ecology, Himalayan Monal ecology, and the ecology and conservation of
high-elevation fauna in the Himalayan region.
Author contributions: AK planned the work, designed the
study. PK, GL, and PA conducted robust fieldwork in the Kedarnath Musk Deer
Sanctuary. RL identifies the study and helps with the analysis and designing
the graph.
Abstract: This study presents an updated
checklist of butterflies of Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (KMDS), located in
the Garhwal Himalaya of Uttarakhand, India, based on systematic field surveys
conducted across multiple elevations and habitats. A total of 300 butterfly
species belonging to six families and 19 subfamilies were recorded from the
Sanctuary. The present work documents 153 species newly recorded from KMDS,
substantially expanding the previously known butterfly fauna of the area.
Species records were verified through photographic documentation and standard
taxonomic literature, and only diagnostically confirmed records were included
in the checklist. The updated inventory highlights the sanctuary as an
important repository of butterfly diversity in the western Himalaya and
provides a reliable baseline for future faunistic, taxonomic, and biodiversity
assessments.
Keywords: Butterfly diversity, distribution
extension, elevational gradient, insect conservation, insect fauna,
Lepidoptera, new records, Papilionoidea, photographic documentation, Protected
area.
INTRODUCTION
Butterfly diversity in the
Himalayan region is strongly influenced by steep elevation gradients, rugged
terrain, climatic heterogeneity, and habitat mosaics (Acharya & Vijayan
2015). These micro and macrohabitat components make it one of the most
important regions for Lepidoptera diversity in India (Devi et al. 2023; Dewan
et al. 2024). Variations in temperature, rainfall, and vegetation structure
along elevation gradients play a key role in shaping species richness and
distribution patterns, with many species showing narrow habitat and altitudinal
preferences (Parmesan 2003; Hill et al. 2021). Uttarakhand, particularly the
Garhwal Himalaya, supports high butterfly diversity, yet faunistic
documentation remains uneven across protected areas (Sondhi & Kunte 2018). Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (KMDS)
represents a large, ecologically diverse landscape within the western Himalaya,
yet information on its butterfly fauna is limited and outdated (Singh 2009).
This highlights the need for a focused, up-to-date checklist to accurately
document butterfly diversity within the sanctuary.
Over 500 butterfly species have
been documented in Uttarakhand (Sondhi & Kunte 2018), with around 407
reported specifically from the Garhwal region (Singh et al. 2016). This
landscape provides nutrient-rich habitats that support the region’s flourishing
butterfly fauna. KMDS, an essential protected area in the Garhwal region of the
western Himalaya, is renowned for its diverse habitats and rich biodiversity
component. It is an important protected zone dedicated to the conservation of
the endangered Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster encompasses a diverse
array of ecosystems, such as alpine meadows, temperate forests, and subalpine scrublands
(Champion & Seth 1968), each creating distinct microhabitats that sustain a
rich array of fauna, including numerous butterfly species. The region’s
moderate temperatures and well-distributed rainfall support an abundance of
nectar-rich flowers and host plants, which are critical for butterfly survival
and reproduction. During summer, the soil remains moist from melting snow,
promoting the growth of algae, mosses, and lichens, which in turn support a
thriving butterfly population. The forest floor, valley gorges, and tree
canopies often showcase a vibrant kaleidoscope of butterflies (Lochan et al.
2022). Understanding the diversity of butterfly species is crucial for
maintaining the health and balance of any ecosystem. This knowledge allows us
to predict habitat preferences and comprehend their roles within trophic
levels. Despite its ecological significance, butterfly diversity in KMDS faces
several threats, including habitat degradation and heavy tourism, which
severely impact butterfly populations (Sharma et al. 2019; Lochan et al. 2022).
Moreover, the use of pesticides and insecticides poses a direct threat to
butterflies, disrupting their food chains and reproductive cycles (Ara &
Haque 2021; Kubelková 2024; Wani & Shah 2024). An earlier study at KMDS
recorded 147 butterfly species (Singh 2009). Considering the altitude-dependent
variations in topography and the diverse habitats at different elevations, this
number may be underestimated. Given this gap, a thorough investigation is
essential to accurately determine the total number of butterfly species in the
sanctuary. By synthesising existing knowledge and contributing new insights,
this paper aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diversity of
butterflies and their environment in KMDS.
Study area
The current study was conducted
in the KMDS, located in the western Himalaya at an elevational range of
800–5,960 m, between 30.7352° N and 79.0662° E (Image 1). Spanning 975 km2,
this landscape falls under the western Himalayan region and is classified under
IUCN Management Category IV (Managed Nature Reserve) in the Biogeographical
Province 2.38.12. It is part of the western Himalaya Endemic Bird Area,
recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA Code IN-UT-07) (Stattersfield 1998;
Vázquez 1998). The area generally consists of dense forests, largely dominated
by Quercus leucotrichophora, Q. semecarpifolia, and Rhododendron
spp. with a deep understory of Rosa brunonii, Berberis asiatica,
and Carissa carandas. The diverse habitats and climatic conditions
provide a suitable environment for a wide range of butterfly species. Around 29
study sites were selected across different parts of the sanctuary, followed by
direct sampling (Table 1).
METHODS
Butterfly surveys were conducted
over a period of three years, from March 2021–August 2024, across KMDS. The
sanctuary was divided into equal-sized grid cells, from which 29 grids were
selected to represent the full elevation range of the area (~800–5,960 m). Each
selected grid was surveyed multiple times during favourable weather conditions
during the peak butterfly activity period. Surveys were carried out using
visual encounter and transect-based walks. Due to rugged terrain and variable
habitat structure, variable-length transects (0.5–2 km) were employed instead
of fixed-width transects. Transects were walked across major habitat types,
including forested areas, grasslands, meadows, and riverine zones, to maximise
species detection across elevation gradients. In total, surveys comprised
approximately 14 field days per month. All records were based on non-invasive
photographic documentation; no specimens were collected. Butterflies were
photographed using Nikon Coolpix P900, P610, and D7500 cameras, and locations
were recorded using a Garmin eTrex 20 GPS unit. Species identification was
performed using standard field guides and taxonomic literature (Kehimkar 2008,
2016; Sondhi & Kunte 2018). For rare or taxonomically challenging species,
diagnostic morphological characters visible in photographs, particularly wing
patterns and underside markings, were carefully compared with published
descriptions and reference images. Only records supported by clear diagnostic
photographic evidence were treated as confirmed and included in the checklist;
uncertain records were excluded from confirmed results.
RESULTS
Seventeen years since the last
study in this landscape, comprehensive research on butterfly diversity was
deemed necessary. The present survey indicates the number of butterfly species
may have been underestimated in previous studies. Through detailed observations
conducted over three consecutive years, around 300 butterfly species were
recorded (Table 2, Image 2), compared with the previously documented 147 (Singh
2009). This update includes 153 additional species, some of which are either
new to the region or exceedingly rare. Among the newly recorded species some of
the rare butterflies are Melanitis zitenius, Aeromachus stigmata,
Hasora taminatus, Catapaecilma major, Miletus chinensis, Belenois
aurota, Hestina persimilis, Pelopidas conjuncta, Ionolyce
helicon, Heliophorus oda, Heliophorus indicus (Fruhstorfer), Heliophorus
epicles (Godart), Heliophorus brahma (Moore), Heliophorus moorei
coruscans, Heliophorus moorei tytleri, Iraota timoleon (Stoll),
Sinthusa chandrana, Tarucus venosus, Chliaria othona, Catochrysops
panormus, Everes huegelii huegelii (Gistel), Spindasis vulcanus,
Spindasis elima, Aricia agestis nazira, Neope pulaha, Melanitis
phedima bela.
Most significant records from the
KMDS region
Great Evening Brown Melanitis
zitenius Herbst, 1796. M. zitenius, with its known distribution extending eastwards from Kumaon to Sikkim,
was previously reported in Uttarakhand by Uniyal et al. (2013). Subsequent
literature has called for validation, given the absence of specimens or
photographic evidence to support this claim (Singh et al. 2016). This species
is legally protected in India under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection)
Act, 1972. A photographic record of a single individual on 12 December 2016 at
an elevation of approximately 1,680 m on a forest floor in the sanctuary marks
the first confirmed photographic record for
Uttarakhand and the first confirmed record from KMDS. To the best of
current knowledge, this species has not been previously reported from KMDS
(Singh 2009). This species is considered very rare in the state (Image 3).
Veined Scrub Hopper Aeromachus
stigmata, a small
butterfly, has been documented in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh in the
northeastern Himalayas, with an altitude range of up to 1,700 m (Kehimkar
2016). According to the existing literature, there is no prior record of this
species in the KMDS. On 12 August 2021, this species was observed near an oak
forest with Lantana-dominated bushes close to a water stream at an elevation of
1,800 m. This marks yet another significant breakthrough in the sighting of
this species within the KMDS (Image 3).
White-banded Awl Hasora
taminatus Hübner, 1818. H. taminatus, recognised by the distinct white band on the
underside of its hindwing, is typically observed at lower elevations, with a
distribution documented across the Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and parts of
the northeastern states (Kehimkar 2016). Previous literature does not mention
its presence in the western Himalayan region. This record is the first for this
part of the Himalaya and Uttarakhand, including KMDS. A solitary specimen was
photographed on 05 October 2019, at an elevation of 1,560 m near an oak-pine
mixed forest (Image 3).
The Common Tinsel Catapaecilma
major. C. major, is primarily found in the
southeastern and northeastern regions of India, thriving in dense forests and
open hilly jungles. It is quite rare in Uttarakhand, with just one photographic
record from the Kumaon region (Kumar et al. 2019). There have been no prior
records of this species in the Garhwal region (Singh et al. 2016). The first
instance of C. major in Garhwal was documented on 23 July 2018, at an
altitude of 870 m near lantana shrubs. This represents the first confirmed
record of this species in KMDS (Image 3).
Common Brownie Miletus
chinensis. M.
chinensis, a rare butterfly species previously unrecorded in the Garhwal
Himalaya region (Singh et al. 2016), was observed on 08 August 2020, at an
elevation of 2500 m in a habitat primarily dominated by Oak and interspersed
with Drepanostachyum spp. This marks the first confirmed record of this
species in the sanctuary (Image 3).
Pioneer Belenois aurota. Belenois aurota (Pioneer) is a widespread and
highly migratory pierid butterfly commonly occurring in open habitats, forest
edges, and valleys across the Himalaya. The species has been previously
reported from several localities in Uttarakhand, including forest, Dehradun
Valley & Shiwaliks; Shikhar Falls, Sahastradhara, Maldeota, Mussoorie,
confirming its regional presence (Singh et al. 2016). The present observation
from KMDS adds an important locality record within this high-altitude protected
area.
Siren Hestina persimilis Westwood,
1851. Thriving in
forested regions, this rare butterfly is usually observed in the Himalaya at
elevations ranging 750–1,460 m, though it may occasionally ascend to higher
altitudes. On 13 September 2021, this elusive species was documented at an
elevation of 800 m, within a habitat dominated by Lantana bushes (Image 3).
Notably, earlier records did not document this species within the sanctuary
(Singh 2009).
Conjoined Swift Pelopidas
conjuncta Herrich-Schäffer, 1869. An uncommon species, P.
conjuncta is considered locally rare in Uttarakhand (Singh et al. 2016). It
prefers forested and woodland habitats, with its range extending up to 2,000 m
in the Himalaya. Photographed at an elevation of 1,870 m in an oak-mix forest
on 05 March 2021, this species has now been added to the butterfly fauna of the
sanctuary (Image 3).
Pointed Lineblue Ionolyce
helicon. The Pointed
Lineblue, Ionolyce helicon, is a characteristic montane lycaenid of the
Himalayan region, often encountered in sheltered forest clearings and along
shrub-dominated trails. Unlike the more widespread lowland lineblues, this
species shows a stronger association with mid- to high-elevation habitats,
making it a notable component of alpine-temperate transition zones. Its
occurrence in the KMDS highlights the ecological importance of this protected
area in sustaining specialized Himalayan butterfly fauna.
Eastern Blue Sapphire Heliophorus
oda Hewitson, 1865. H. oda is a rare
butterfly species in India, primarily found from Himachal Pradesh to Sikkim,
including Nepal and Bhutan, at elevations of 2,000–3,500 m (Kehimkar 2016).
Previous surveys in the sanctuary did not report its presence (Singh 2009). A single male was documented outside the
sanctuary near Mussoorie, with a possible distribution range of 1,500–3,000m in
Uttarakhand (Singh et al. 2016). In our observation, H. oda was observed
in 07 October 2022 in an oak-dominated forest at 1,800 m near Makkumath, KMDS (Image
3).
Indian Purple Sapphire Heliophorus
indicus Fruhstorfer. The Indian Purple Sapphire, Heliophorus indicus, is a localized
Himalayan butterfly largely restricted to cool temperate forests and higher
montane landscapes. It is usually observed in sunny openings, where males
display rapid fluttering flight and frequently settle on low herbs or damp
patches. Due to its narrow elevation preference and comparatively scattered
distribution, the presence of this sapphire in Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary is
significant, indicating the sanctuary’s role as a refuge for specialized
high-altitude lycaenid species.
Purple Sapphire Heliophorus
epicles Godart, 1824. H. epicles, a locally rare species, had previously been reported in Uttarakhand.
Prior studies, particularly in the sanctuary (Singh 2009) lacked clarity regarding the species’
presence. In the current study, this species was photographed on 27 September
2020, at an elevation of 1,980 m in a mixed oak-rhododendron forest (Image 3).
Golden Sapphire Heliophorus
brahma Moore, 1858. H. brahma is a small butterfly with a rare
presence in Uttarakhand and scarce records in the western Himalayas. Previous
studies have documented the species in various parts of Uttarakhand (Uniyal
2004; Kunte et al. 2019). Its presence is lacking in the earlier research
(Singh 2009). H. brahma was recorded at an elevation of 2,130 m, in a
moist habitat near a stream dominated by Rosa brunonii bushes. The
butterfly was observed to be active throughout the day in May and June (Image 3).
Azure Sapphire Heliophorus
moorei coruscans. The Azure Sapphire is a high-altitude Himalayan subspecies typically
associated with temperate oak–rhododendron forests and alpine meadows during
the summer flight season. It is most often encountered in sunlit forest
openings and along moist hill paths, where individuals frequently feed on
small-flowered herbs. Its documentation from KMDS reflects the sanctuary’s rich
montane butterfly assemblage and emphasizes the importance of conserving these
fragile alpine–temperate ecotones that support such visually distinctive and
habitat-sensitive lycaenids.
Silverstreak Blue Iraota
timoleon Stoll, 1790. I. timoleon, an uncommon butterfly
previously recorded only at lower elevations in Uttarakhand (Kunte et al.
2019), was not listed in earlier KMDS documentation (Singh 2009). Its presence
is now confirmed with a sighting on 11 March 2018, at 1030 m in a shrubby
habitat near an oak forest (Image 3).
Broad Spark Sinthusa chandrana
is a
forest-associated lycaenid typically encountered in shaded valleys and lower
temperate zones of the Himalaya. Unlike the bright sapphires and lineblues that
frequent open sunny patches, this species is more secretive and rarer in
Uttarakhand (Singh et al. 2016), often remaining close to understory vegetation
and appearing briefly along forest trails. Its occurrence in Kedarnath Musk
Deer Sanctuary highlights the presence of intact woodland microhabitats that
support less conspicuous but ecologically important members of the Himalayan
butterfly community.
Himalayan Pierrot Tarucus
venosus Moore, 1882. A common butterfly species typically found in the Himalayan foothills
at elevations up to 1,200 m in Uttarakhand (Kunte et al. 2019). Observations
and photographs of several individuals were recorded during our survey in the
sanctuary. This species was notably more frequently observed in July, at
elevations up to 2,100 m, primarily within oak-mixed forest habitats (Image 3).
Orchid Tit Chliaria othona
is a
characteristic Himalayan lycaenid strongly associated with moist temperate
forests and shaded hill slopes. It is typically observed flying low near bushes
or resting quietly beneath leaves, making it easy to overlook during rapid
surveys. The species is common at low elevations in Uttarakhand, but no records
have been reported from the Kedarnath Musk Deer Sanctuary (Singh 2009). The
species is often linked with well-preserved forest habitats, and its record
from KMDS supports the importance of this protected landscape in maintaining
specialized butterfly fauna dependent on cool, undisturbed woodland conditions.
Silver Forget-me-not
Catochrysops panormus is a widespread lycaenid butterfly typically found in open grassy
patches, forest edges, and disturbed habitats where low herbaceous vegetation
is abundant. This species typically prefers low elevation (Kehimkar 2016). This
is the first record from KMDS and its presence reflects the mosaic of open and
semi-open microhabitats within the sanctuary that support both generalist and
montane butterfly assemblages.
Dusky Blue Cupid Everes
huegelii huegelii is a characteristic Himalayan blue largely confined to montane and
subalpine zones, where it inhabits open slopes, alpine meadows, and flower-rich
clearings during the short summer season (Kehimkar 2016). The species is often
observed nectaring on small herbs and is considered a typical representative of
high-elevation lycaenid fauna. This is the first record from the KMDS.
Common Silverline Spindasis
vulcanus is a
conspicuous lycaenid typically associated with dry scrub, forest edges, and
open hill slopes. Unlike many high-altitude sapphires restricted to
cool-temperate forests, this species is more robust and often occurs in warmer,
lower-montane habitats with scattered shrubs. Its records from the KMDS
indicate heterogeneous edge habitats that support both open-country and
forest-margin butterfly species.
Scarce Shot Silverline
Spindasis elima is a Himalayan lycaenid typically encountered along wooded slopes, scrubby
clearings, and montane forest margins. Compared to the more widespread S.
vulcanus, this species is less frequently observed and shows a stronger
association with intact mid-elevation habitats. This is the first documentation
from KMDS.
Orange-bordered Argus Aricia
agestis nazira is a high-altitude subspecies, usually associated with alpine meadows,
rocky slopes, and herb-rich grasslands during the summer months. Its presence
is often linked with cold-adapted montane ecosystems, where it flies close to
the ground and frequently settles on low vegetation. The record of this argus
from KMDS highlights the sanctuary’s alpine butterfly diversity and the
ecological value of its meadow habitats within the greater Himalayan landscape.
Veined Labyrinth Neope pulaha
is a
temperate forest butterfly commonly associated with shaded woodland trails,
moist ravines, and dense understory vegetation in the Himalaya. Unlike
open-habitat lycaenids, this species prefers low-light environments and is
often observed resting on tree trunks or leaf litter, relying on its cryptic
underside markings for concealment. It is uncommon in Uttarakhand (Singh et al.
2016), and its presence in the KMDS indicates the existence of well-preserved
forest microhabitats that support satyrine butterflies adapted to cool, shaded
montane ecosystems.
Dark Evening Brown Melanitis
phedima bela is a shade-loving satyrine butterfly frequently active during late
afternoon and dusk, unlike most daytime-flying Himalayan species. It is
typically encountered at forest edges, in shaded clearings, and in moist
valleys, where it rests quietly among leaf litter. The species is well known
for its remarkable dry-season camouflage, mimicking dead leaves, which enhances
survival in fluctuating Himalayan environments. This is the first record from
KMDS.
Dark Himalayan Oakblue Arhopala rama is a forest-dependent Himalayan
Oakblue closely associated with mature broadleaf temperate forests,
particularly oak-dominated habitats. Species of Arhopala are often
considered indicators of intact woodland ecosystems because they depend on
specific host plants and shaded canopy environments. This species is not rare but vagrant, and is
found mostly during the post-monsoonal season.
DISCUSSION
The earlier study, conducted over
a decade ago, seems to have overlooked substantial portions of the butterfly
fauna, likely due to a combination of fragmentary surveys and habitat variation
within the sanctuary. The present study recorded 300 butterfly species,
substantially exceeding the 147 species previously reported by Singh (2009),
suggesting that earlier inventories may not have fully captured the butterfly
diversity of KMDS. The additional 153 species, including several rare and
uncommon species, highlight the need for more comprehensive, periodic
biodiversity assessments in the ecologically rich Sanctuary. Underestimation of
regional biodiversity, including butterflies, may significantly challenge the
development of effective conservation planning and management strategies. Given
that KMDS encompasses a broad elevation gradient of approximately 500–7,068 m
above sea level, while the present surveys covered elevations of 800–5,960 m,
the diversity of habitats within the sanctuary is likely to contribute
substantially to regional butterfly diversity. The sanctuary encompasses
subtropical forests at lower altitudes, temperate forests at mid-elevations,
and alpine meadows at higher altitudes, each offering unique ecological niches
for butterflies (Jaryan et al. 2013; Uniyal et al. 2013), but probably lacks
adequate cover during the survey, particularly in the more inaccessible
high-altitude regions.
The presence of newly recorded
species in KMDS suggests that the Sanctuary provides critical habitat for both
common and rare butterflies, contributing to regional and possibly national
biodiversity conservation. The addition of these species in the current study,
and their absence in earlier surveys, highlight the importance of long-term
monitoring to account for seasonal and interannual variations in species
presence and abundance. Furthermore, the addition of other rare and uncommon
species like Miletus chinensis, Belenois aurota, Hestina persimilis,
Pelopidas conjuncta, Baoris farri, Arhopala centaurus, Horaga
viola, Pedesta masuriensis, Ampittia subvittatus,
Symbrenthia hypselis, and Limenitis trivena, not only
enriches the sanctuary’s biodiversity inventory but also emphasizes the
region’s potential as a refuge for lesser-known, often overlooked species. The
presence of such species aligns with studies conducted in other Himalayan
regions, where highly localized or rare species have been found to persist in
isolated pockets of suitable habitat (Dawar et al. 2022).
Additionally, this study aligns
with research conducted in other parts of the Himalayas, where recent surveys
have revealed previously unknown species, indicating that many regions may
still harbour undiscovered biodiversity (Ghazoul 2006). For example, Sharma et
al. (2019) documented several first-time records of butterfly species in
neighbouring areas of Uttarakhand, suggesting that the Western Himalayas,
despite being well-studied, continue to yield surprises regarding species
diversity. This highlights the dynamic nature of biodiversity in mountainous
regions, where microhabitats, climatic variations, and elevation play crucial
roles in shaping species distributions (Mani 1974). The findings of this study
not only enrich the existing knowledge of Himalayan butterfly diversity but
also underscore the critical need for more extensive and rigorous surveys in
the future to ensure the implementation of better conservation strategies. Such
efforts are critical to refining conservation strategies, enabling more
targeted and effective interventions for species preservation.
Conclusion
This exploration of butterfly
diversity within KMDS is a foundation for further research and conservation
initiatives. A total of 153 additional butterflies’ species were updated in the
known butterfly fauna of KMDS. Several new records and rediscoveries of
butterfly species were documented in the sanctuary. By unravelling the
intricate connections between butterflies and their environment, a deeper
appreciation for the sanctuary’s ecological complexity and the need to preserve
it emerged. This comprehensive methodology, combining transect surveys,
elevation gradient sampling, and a multifaceted data-collection approach, aimed
to provide a thorough understanding of butterfly diversity in the KMDS. One
often-overlooked but ecologically significant component of this biodiversity is
the diverse butterfly population that graces the Sanctuary’s meadows and
forests.
Significance
The significance of this research
extends beyond the academic realm; it holds practical implications for the
conservation and management of KMDS. With threats such as climate change and
habitat degradation looming large, an understanding of butterfly species and
their interactions within this fragile ecosystem becomes imperative. By
unravelling the mysteries of butterfly ecology in Kedarnath, this research
contributes valuable insights that will inform conservation strategies and
emphasize the need to preserve this Himalayan Sanctuary for future generations.
Table 1. Sampling sites,
altitude, coordinates and habitat type.
|
Site |
ID |
Elevation (m) |
Habitat types |
|
Agastyamuni |
S1 |
895 |
Oak pine mixed forest with
cropland |
|
Chandrapuri |
S2 |
990 |
Hill stream with oak, pine, and
mixed forest |
|
Sari |
S3 |
2242 |
Oak mixed forest |
|
Deoriyatal |
S4 |
2417 |
Oak mixed forest |
|
Tungnath |
S5 |
3436 |
Oak-Blue Pine-Rhododendron
mixed forest |
|
Duggalbitta |
S6 |
2488 |
Blue pine, oak mixed forest |
|
Baniyakund |
S7 |
2805 |
Oak mixed with Blue Pine |
|
Makkumath |
S8 |
1800 |
Oak-Rhododendron mixed forest |
|
Guptkashi |
S9 |
2189 |
Pine mixed forest |
|
Nagjagayi |
S10 |
1800 |
Pine mixed forest |
|
Gourikund |
S11 |
2324 |
Pine-Oak mixed forest |
|
Bheembali |
S12 |
2829 |
Oak with grassland |
|
Lincholi |
S13 |
3493 |
Oak with blue pine and
grassland |
|
Kedarnath |
S14 |
5960 |
Grassland with flowering plant |
|
Kalimath |
S15 |
1792 |
Oak-pine mixed forest |
|
Chaumasi |
S16 |
2691 |
Oak-Deodar mixed forest |
|
Chilode |
S17 |
1870 |
Oak-Pine mixed forest |
|
Triyuginarayan |
S18 |
1895 |
Oak-Pine mixed forest |
|
Tausi |
S19 |
2495 |
Oak-Blue Pine-Deodar mixed
forest |
|
Ranshi |
S20 |
2478 |
Oak- Blue Pine mixed forest |
|
Gondar |
S21 |
2500 |
Oak mixed with Ringal bamboo
forest |
|
Khdara |
S22 |
2127 |
Oak mixed with Ringal bamboo
forest |
|
Bantoli |
S23 |
2800 |
Oak mixed with Ringal bamboo
forest |
|
Nanu |
S24 |
2300 |
Oak mixed with Ringal bamboo
forest |
|
Madmaheswar |
S25 |
3500 |
Oak-Deodar-Blue Pine mixed
forest |
|
Uchola |
S26 |
2000 |
Oak-Bamboo-Deodar mixed forest |
|
Chopta |
S27 |
1800 |
Pine-dominated landscape |
|
Malkhi |
S28 |
2300 |
Oak-Pine mixed forest |
|
Kartikswami |
S29 |
2069 |
Oak pine Mixed Forest |
Table 2. Updated checklist of
butterflies (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea) recorded from Kedarnath Musk Deer
Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, India.
|
|
Species name |
Common name |
Relative abundance |
Habitat preference and
elevation (m) |
|
Super family:
Hesperioidea |
||||
|
i. Family:
Hesperiidae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Coeliadinae |
||||
|
1 |
Bibasis sena |
Orange Tail Awl |
Uncommon |
Moist forest up to 1500 |
|
2 |
Hosora chromus |
Common-banded Awl |
Rare |
Forest edges up to 2000 |
|
3 |
Hasora taminatus Hübner |
White-banded Awl |
Uncommon |
Forest edges up to 2000 |
|
4 |
Burara harisa Moore |
Orange Awlet |
Uncommon |
Forest edges up to 1500 |
|
5 |
Berara oedipodea |
Branded Orange Awlet |
Uncommon |
Hill forests up to 1500 |
|
6 |
Choaspes benjaminii |
Indian Awlking |
Uncommon |
Forests 300–2400 |
|
Sub-family: pyrginae |
||||
|
7 |
Celaenorrhinus leucocera |
Common Spotted Flat |
Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
8 |
Celaenorrhinus munda Moore |
Himalayan Spotted Flat |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
9 |
Celaenorrhinus pero |
Mussorie Spotted Flat |
Common |
Hill forests 1500–2000 |
|
10 |
Pseudocoladenia dan |
Fulvous Pied Flat |
Common |
Forest edges up to 2200 |
|
11 |
Celaenorrhinus dhanada |
Himalayan Yellow Flat |
Rare |
Forest edges 300–1800 |
|
12 |
Tagiades japetus Stoll |
Common Snow Flat |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
13 |
Tagiades menaka |
Spotted Snow Flat |
Common |
Hill forests 1500–2000 |
|
14 |
Tagiades litigiosa Möschler |
Water Snow Flat |
Common |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
15 |
Sarangesa dasahara Moore |
Common Small Flat |
Common |
Grassland and forest edges |
|
16 |
Caprona agama |
Spotted Angle |
Uncommon |
Grassland and forest edges |
|
17 |
Caprona ransonneti |
Golden Angle |
Uncommon |
Forest and forest edges |
|
18 |
Odontoptilum angulatum |
Chestnut Angle |
Common |
Forests up to 2400 |
|
19 |
Spialia galba Fabricus |
Indian Skipper |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
Sub-family: Hesperiinae |
||||
|
20 |
Aeromachus dubius |
Dingy Scrub Hopper |
Uncommon |
Grassland up to 2000 |
|
21 |
Aeromachus stigmata Moore |
Veined Scrub Hopper |
Uncommon |
Forest 1500–2100 |
|
22 |
Aeromachus jhora de Nicéville |
Grey Scrub Hopper |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1800 |
|
23 |
Ochus subvittatus |
Tiger Hopper |
Rare |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
24 |
Sovia grahami Evans |
Graham Ace |
Rare |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
25 |
Pedesta masuriensis Moore |
Mussoorie Bush Bob |
Rare |
Hill forests 1500–2000 |
|
26 |
Notocrypta feisthamalli alysos |
Spotted Demon |
Common |
Forest edges 300–2500 |
|
27 |
Udaspes folus Cramer |
Grass Demon |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
28 |
Taractrocera danna Moore |
Himalayan Grass Dart |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1500–2200 |
|
29 |
Potanthus dara |
Himalayan Dart |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
30 |
Ampittia dioscorides Fabricius |
Bush Hopper |
Common |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
31 |
Suastus gremius Fabricius |
Indian Palm Bob |
Common |
Forest up to 1200 |
|
32 |
Hyarotis adrastus praba Moore |
Tree Flitter |
Common |
Forest up to 1600 |
|
33 |
Matapa aria Moore |
Common Red eye |
Common |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
34 |
Eurionota torus |
Rounded Palm Red-eye |
Rare |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
35 |
Taractrocera maevius |
Common Grass Dart |
Common |
Grassland and scrub 1600 |
|
36 |
Oriens golo gola Moore |
Common Dartlet |
Common |
Forest low elevation |
|
37 |
Potanthus pseudomaesa
pseudomaesa Moore |
Common Dart |
Common |
Hill forest up to 1200 |
|
38 |
Telicota bambusae bambusae |
Dark Palm Dart |
Common |
Forest edges up to 1500 |
|
39 |
Baoris farri Moore |
Paintbrush Swift |
Rare |
Forest up to 1100 |
|
40 |
Gegenes nostrodamus |
Dingy Swift |
Rare |
Forest clearing at low
elevation |
|
41 |
Parnara guttatus |
Straight Swift |
Common |
Forest up to 2400 |
|
42 |
Parnara ganga |
Continental Swift |
Common |
Forest edges at low elevation |
|
43 |
Parnara guttatus |
Oriental Straight Swift |
Common |
Grassland and drier plains |
|
44 |
Borbo cinnara |
Rice Swift |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
45 |
Pseudoborbo bevani |
Bevan's Swift |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2100 |
|
46 |
Pelopidas subochracea |
Large branded swift |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2400 |
|
47 |
Pelopidas conjuncta |
Conjoined Swift |
Rare |
Forest edges up to 1200 |
|
48 |
Polytremis discreta |
Himalayan Swift |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 3000 |
|
49 |
Polytremis eltola |
Yellow spot swift |
Common |
Forest 300–3000 |
|
50 |
Pelopidas mathias |
Small Branded Swift |
Common |
Grassland and scrub 2200 |
|
51 |
Halpe homolea aucma Swinhoe |
Indian Ace |
Uncommon |
Forest low elevation |
|
52 |
Suastus gremius Fabricius |
Indian Palm Bob |
Common |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
53 |
Matapa aria Moore |
Common Redeye |
Common |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
54 |
Notocrypta curvifascia |
Restricted Demon |
Common |
Forest up to 400–1800 |
|
55 |
Notocrypta feisthamelii |
Spotted Demon |
Common |
Forest up to 1000–2500 |
|
56 |
Udaspes folus Cramer |
Grass Demon |
Common |
Forest up to 2200 |
|
Super family: Papilionoidea |
||||
|
Family: Papillionidae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Parnassiinae |
||||
|
57 |
Parnassius epaphus epaphus |
Common Red Apollo |
Uncommon |
Rocky hillsides 2000–5000 |
|
58 |
Parnassius hardwickii |
Common Blue Apollo |
Uncommon |
Alpine meadow up to 5000 |
|
Sub-family: Papillioninae |
||||
|
59 |
Troides aeacus aeacus Felder & Felder |
Golden Birdwing |
Common |
Forest up to 2700 |
|
60 |
Graphium eurous caschmirensis Rothschild |
Six-Bar Swordtail |
common |
Hill forest up to 2700 |
|
61 |
Graphium cloanthus |
Glassy Bluebottle |
common |
Hill forest up to 2700 |
|
62 |
Graphium sarpedon |
Common Bluebottle |
common |
Forest up to 2700 |
|
63 |
Graphium doson |
Common Jay |
common |
Forest and garden 1200 |
|
64 |
Byasa polyeuctes |
Common Wildmill |
common |
Forest up to 3500 |
|
65 |
Byasa latreillei |
Rose Windmill |
common |
Hill forest up to 2700 |
|
66 |
Byasa dasarada Ravana Moore |
Great windmill |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 3600 |
|
67 |
Pachliopta aristolochiae |
Common Rose |
Uncommon |
Grassland up to 2400 |
|
68 |
Atrophaneura aidoneus Doubleday |
Lesser Batwing |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2600 |
|
69 |
Papilio protenor Cramer |
Spangle |
common |
Forest up to 2600 |
|
70 |
Papilio bianor polyctor Boisduval |
Common Peacock |
common |
Hill Forest up to 2500 |
|
71 |
Papilio polytes |
Common Mormon |
common |
Grassland up to 1900 |
|
72 |
Papilio machaon asiaticus Ménétriés |
Common Yellow Swallowtail |
Uncommon |
Meadows and scrub 4800 |
|
73 |
Meandrusa lachinus lachinus Fruhstorfer |
Brown Gorgon |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2600 |
|
74 |
Papilio demoleus demoleus Linnaeus |
Lime Butterfly |
common |
Cropland and forest edges |
|
Family: Pieridae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Coliadinae |
||||
|
75 |
Eurema andersonii Moore |
One-spot Grass yellow |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2200 |
|
76 |
Eurema blanda silhetana Wallace |
Three-spot Grass yellow |
Common |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
77 |
Eurema brigitta rubella Wallace |
Small Grass yellow |
Common |
Forest clearing up to 3660 |
|
78 |
Eurema hecabe Linnaeus |
Common Grass yellow |
Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
79 |
Eurema laeta |
Spotless Grass yellow |
Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
80 |
Gonepteryx rhamni nepalensis Doubleday |
Common Brimstone |
Very Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
81 |
Catopsilia pomona |
Common Emigrant |
Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
82 |
Catopsilia pyranthe Linnaeus |
Mottled Emigrant |
Common |
Forest and habitation 3000 |
|
83 |
Colias erate Esper |
Pale clouded Yellow |
Uncommon |
Open hillsides 3500 |
|
Sub-family: Pierinae |
||||
|
84 |
Pieris daplidice moorei Röber |
Bath White |
Common |
Meadow scrub 2700 |
|
85 |
Pieris canidia indica |
Indian Cabbage White |
Common |
Forest and farmland 3500 |
|
86 |
Pieris brassicae nepalensis Doubleday |
Large Cabbage White |
Common |
Meadow, scrub up to 4000 |
|
87 |
Pieris rapae |
Small cabbage White |
Common |
Hill slopes up to 1800 |
|
88 |
Pieris bryoniae |
Mountain Greenvein White |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1200–3000 |
|
89 |
Aporia leucodice soracta Moore |
Himalayan Blackvein |
Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
90 |
Aporia agathon caphusa |
Great Black veined |
Very Common |
Hill forest up to 3050 |
|
91 |
Delias eucharis Drury |
Common Jezebel |
Very Common |
Garden and forest low elevation |
|
92 |
Delias belladonna horsfieldii |
Hill Jezebel |
Very Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
93 |
Cepora nerissa Phryne Fabricius |
Common Gull |
Very Common |
Grassland up to 2500 |
|
94 |
Appias libythea Fabricius |
Striped Albatross |
Rare |
Forest edges up to 1000 |
|
95 |
Leptosia nina Fabricius |
Psyche |
Common |
Forest up to 1900 |
|
96 |
Belenois aurota Fabricius |
Pioneer |
Common |
Grassland and scrub 2800 |
|
Family: Riodinidae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Riodininae |
||||
|
97 |
Abisara bifasciata |
Plum Judy |
Common |
Forest and garden 2000 |
|
98 |
Abisara fylla |
Dark Judy |
Common |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
99 |
Zemeros flegyas indicus |
Punchinello |
Common |
Forest 2300 |
|
100 |
Dodona eugenes Bates |
Tailed Punch |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 3000 |
|
101 |
Dodona durga Kollar |
Common Punch |
Common |
Hill forest up to 2500 |
|
Family: Lycaenidae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Poritiinae |
||||
|
102 |
Poritia hewitsoni hewitsoni Moore |
Common Gem |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1200 |
|
sub-family: Miletinae |
||||
|
103 |
Miletus chinensis assamensis |
Common Brownie |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 1500 |
|
Sub-family: Curetinae |
||||
|
104 |
Curetis acuta Moore |
Angled Sunbeam |
Common |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
105 |
Curetis bulis Westwood |
Bright Sunbeam |
Common |
Forest up to 2100 |
|
Sub-family: Aphnaeinae |
||||
|
106 |
Spindasis nipalicus Moore |
Silver Grey Silverline |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2500 |
|
107 |
Spindasis vulcanus |
Common Silverline |
Common |
Plain and hills up to 2700 |
|
108 |
Spindasis elima |
Scarce Shot Silverline |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 3000 |
|
109 |
Spindasis lohita |
Long-banded Silverline |
Common |
Grassy open area |
|
110 |
Apharitis lilacinus |
Lilac Silverline |
Rare |
Forest up to 1600 |
|
Sub-family: Polyommatine |
||||
|
111 |
Everes argiades diporides Chapman |
Chapmans Cupid |
Common |
Forest up to 2600 |
|
112 |
Chilades pandava pandava Horsfield |
Plain Cupid |
Common |
Forest edges up to 2400 |
|
113 |
Chilades parrhasius parrhasius Fabricius |
Indian Cupid |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2000 |
|
114 |
Chilades lajus lajus Stoll |
Lime Blue |
Common |
Grassland and forest 1900 |
|
115 |
Anthene emolus |
Common Ciliated Blue |
Common |
Hill forest up to 1300 |
|
116 |
Petrelaea dana |
Dingy Lineblue |
Common |
Forest low elevation |
|
117 |
Nacaduba kurava |
Transparent Six Lineblue |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1000–2000 |
|
118 |
Ionolyce helicon |
Pointed Line Blue |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1000 |
|
119 |
Everes (argiades) indica Evans |
Tailed Cupid |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1400–3000 |
|
120 |
Everes huegelii huegelii |
Dusky Blue Cupid |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1400–2850 |
|
121 |
Acytolepis puspa gisca Fruhstorfer |
Common hedge Blue |
Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
122 |
Oreolyce vardhana vardhana Moore |
Dusky Hedge Blue |
Uncommon |
Forest 400–2500 |
|
123 |
Udara dilecta dilecta Moore |
Pale Hedge Blue |
common |
Hill forest 500–3000 |
|
124 |
Udara albocaerulea Moore |
Albocerulean |
Rare |
Hill forest below 1000 |
|
125 |
Celastrina lavendularis limbata
Moore |
Plain Hedge Blue |
common |
Forest 400-2500 |
|
126 |
Celastrina gigas Hemming |
Silver Hedge Blue |
Common |
Forest clearing 2000–3000 |
|
127 |
Celastrina huegelii huegelii Moore |
Large Hedge Blue |
Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
128 |
Celatoxia marginata de Nicéville |
Margined Hedge Blue |
Common |
Hill Forest up to 3000 |
|
129 |
Celastrina argiolus kollari Linnaeus |
Hill Hedge Blue |
Uncommon |
Meadow and forest 3000 |
|
130 |
Zizeeria karsandra Moore |
Dark Grass Blue |
common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
131 |
Pseudozizeeria maha Kollar |
Pale Grass Blue |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
132 |
Zizeeria oits oits Fabricius |
Lesser Grass Blue |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
133 |
Lampides boeticus Linnaeus |
Pea Blue |
common |
Hills and plain up to 3000 |
|
134 |
Leptotes plinius Plinius Fabricius |
Zebra Blue |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2100 |
|
135 |
Euchrysops cnejus |
Gram Blue |
Common |
Grassland and forest edges |
|
136 |
Aricia agestis nazira |
Orange-bordered Argus |
common |
Forest edges 1800-3000 |
|
137 |
Lycaena phlaeas |
Common Copper |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest 1500–3000 |
|
138 |
Lycaena panava |
White-bordered Copper |
Common |
Meadow forest edges 3690 |
|
139 |
Jamides bochus Stoll |
Dark Cerulean |
Common |
Forest up to 2400 |
|
140 |
Jamide celeno |
Common Cerulean |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
141 |
Catochrysops strabo Fabricius |
Forget-me-not Blue |
Common |
Hill and plain up to 3000 |
|
142 |
Catochrysops panormus |
Silver Forget-me-not |
Uncommon |
Low elevation up to 1000 |
|
143 |
Castalius rosimon |
Common Pierrot |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2500 |
|
144 |
Tarucus venosus Moore |
Himalayan Pierrot |
Common |
Forest edge and scrub 2000 |
|
145 |
Talicada nyseus |
Red Pierrot |
Common |
Forest up to 1600 |
|
146 |
Tarucus nara |
Rounded Pierrot |
Common |
Grassland and Forest 2000 |
|
147 |
Freyeria trochylus Freyer |
Grass Jewel |
Common |
Forest edges up to 1800 |
|
Sub-family: Theclinae |
||||
|
148 |
Euaspa milionia Hewitson |
Water Hairstreak |
Common |
Hill forest 1200–2000 |
|
149 |
Chrysozephyrus syla Kollar |
Silver Hairstreak |
Common |
Hill forest 1800–3500 |
|
150 |
Chrysozephyrus birupa Moore |
Fawn Hairstreak |
Common |
Forest up to 1600 |
|
151 |
Euaspa ziha Hewitson |
White-spotted Hairstreak |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
152 |
Chrysozephyrus disparatus
psedoletha |
Howarth’s Hairstreak |
Rare |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
153 |
Horaga viola Moore |
Brown Onyx |
Rare |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
154 |
Haraga Onyx Moore |
Common Onyx |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
155 |
Iraota timoleon Stoll |
Silvertreak Blue |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
156 |
Chaetoprocta odata peilei Forster |
Walnut Blue |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1200–3600 |
|
157 |
Arhopala rama Kollar |
Dark Himalayan Oakblue |
Common |
Hill forest 900–2000 |
|
158 |
Arhopala paraganesa de Nicéville |
Dusky Bush Blue |
Rare |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
159 |
Tajuria diaeus Hewitson |
Straight-line Royal |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 1200 |
|
160 |
Ancema ctesia Hewitson |
Bio-spot Royal |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
161 |
Pratapa icetas Hewitson |
Dark blue Royal |
Rare |
Hill sides 1000–2000 |
|
162 |
Chliaria kina Hewitson |
Blue Tit |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
163 |
Chliaria othona |
Orchid Tit |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest up to 1500 |
|
164 |
Deudorix epijarbus Moore |
Cornelian |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
165 |
Rapala selira Moore |
Himalayan Red Flash |
Common |
Hill Forest up to 3000 |
|
166 |
Arhopala dodonaea Moore |
Pale Himalayan Oakblue |
Common |
Hill sides 1000-2000 |
|
167 |
Arhopala amantes |
Large Oakblue |
Common |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
168 |
Arhopala ganesa |
Tailless Bush Blue |
Very Common |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
169 |
Surendra quercetorum |
Common Acacia Blue |
Common |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
170 |
Arhopala atrax Hewitson |
Indian oak Blue |
Very Common |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
171 |
Surendra vivarna Moore |
Common Acacia Blue |
Common |
Forest up to 1200 |
|
172 |
Rapala nissa Kollar |
Common Flash |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2000 |
|
173 |
Rapala varuna |
Indigo Flash |
Common |
Plain and hills up to 1500 |
|
174 |
Rapala manea schistacea Moore |
Slate Flash |
Common |
Plain and hills up to 1900 |
|
175 |
Rapala iarbus Fabricius |
Indian Red Flash |
Uncommon |
Grassland and forest 2300 |
|
176 |
Zesius chrysomallus Hübner |
Red Spot |
Rare |
Forest low elevation |
|
177 |
Catapaecilma major major Druce |
Common Tinsel |
Rare |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
178 |
Sinthusa chandrana chandrana Moore |
Broad Spark |
Rare |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
179 |
Virachola isocrates Fabricius |
Common Guava Blue |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
Sub-family: Lycaeninae |
||||
|
180 |
Heliophorus brahma |
Golden Sapphire |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
181 |
Heliophorus epicles |
Purple Sapphire |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
182 |
Heliophorus indicus |
Indian Purple Sapphire |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
183 |
Heliophorus sena Kollar |
Sorrel Sapphire |
Common |
Hill forest up to 2600 |
|
184 |
Heliophorus tamu |
Powdery Green Sapphire |
Common |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
185 |
Heliophorusn moorei tytleri |
Azure Sapphire |
Common |
Hill forest up to 2700 |
|
186 |
Heliophorus oda Hewitson |
Eastern Blue Sapphire |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 1800 |
|
187 |
Arhopala centaurus, 1775 |
Centaur Oakblue |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2400 |
|
188 |
Arhopala oenea Hewitson |
Hewitson Dull Oakblue |
Rare |
Hill forest 600–1500 |
|
189 |
Lycaena pavana Kollar |
White-bordered Copper |
Common |
Hill forest up to 3000 |
|
190 |
Lycaena phlaeas baralacha Moore |
Common Copper |
Common |
Hill forest up to 3500 |
|
Family: Nymphalidae |
||||
|
Sub-family: Satyrinae |
||||
|
191 |
Mycalesis nicotia Westwood |
Bright-eyed Bush Brown |
Rare |
Hill forest 500–1500 |
|
192 |
Mycalesis perseus Blasius Fabricius |
Common Bush Brown |
Common |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
193 |
Mycalesis francisca Sanatana Moore |
Lilacine Bush Brown |
Common |
Hill forest 500–2000 |
|
194 |
Mycalesis mineus Linnaeus |
Darkbrand Bush Brown |
Common |
Forest edges up to 1500 |
|
195 |
Mycalesis visala |
Long-branded Bush Brown |
Common |
Forest edges up to 1000 |
|
196 |
Lethe sidonis Doherty |
Common Woodbrown |
Common |
Forest edges up to 3100 |
|
197 |
Lethe maitrya maitrya de Nicéville |
Bareed Woodbrown |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 2500–3800 |
|
198 |
Lethe siderea Marshall |
Scarce Woodbrown |
Rare |
Hill forest 2000–2500 |
|
199 |
Lethe insana insana Kollar |
Common Forester |
Common |
Hill forest 1500–2700 |
|
200 |
Lethe rohria |
Common Treebrown |
Common |
Hill forest up to 3000 |
|
201 |
Lethe verma Kollar |
Straight-banded Treebrown |
Common |
Hill forest 900–2700 |
|
202 |
Lethe europa niladana Fruhstorfer |
Bamboo Treebrown |
Common |
Forest edges up to 3000 |
|
203 |
Lethe confusa confuse Auriviilius |
Banded Treebrown |
Common |
Forest edges up to 1700 |
|
204 |
Lethe baladeva aisa Fruhstorfer |
Treble Silverstreak |
Rare |
Hill forest 1800–2700 |
|
205 |
Lethe goalpara |
Large Golden Fork |
Rare |
Hill forest 1800–3000 |
|
206 |
Neope yama buckleyi Talbot |
Dusky Labyrinth |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1200–2400 |
|
207 |
Neope pulaha pandyia Talbot |
Veined Labyrinth |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1600–2400 |
|
208 |
Orinoma damaris damaris Gray |
Tiger Brown |
Uncommon |
Forest 1300–2000 |
|
209 |
Melanitis phedima bela Cramer |
Dark Evening Brown |
Uncommon |
Hill forest at low elevation |
|
210 |
Melanitis leda leda Linnaeus |
Common Evening Brown |
Very Common |
Forest up to 1200 |
|
211 |
Melanitis zitenius zitenius Herbst |
Great Evening brown |
Very Rare |
Forest up to 1700 |
|
212 |
Elymnias hypermnestra undularis
Linnaeus |
Common Palmfly |
Common |
Forest and garden 1500 |
|
213 |
Elymnias malelas |
Spotted Palmfly |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
214 |
Ypthima (Dallacha) hyagriva Moore |
Brown Argus |
Rare |
Forest clearing 1500–2400 |
|
215 |
Callerebia annada |
Ringed Argus |
Rare |
Scrubby hill 1500–2500 |
|
216 |
Callerebia nirmala Moore |
Common Argus |
Common |
Forest 1300–2800 |
|
217 |
Callerebia scanda Kollar |
Pallid Argus |
Common |
Hill forest 1200–2400 |
|
218 |
Loxerebia narasingha |
Mottled Argus |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
219 |
Ypthima nareda Kollar |
Large Three Ring |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 600–2500 |
|
220 |
Ypthima asterope |
Common Three Ring |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
221 |
Ypthima inica |
Lesser Three Ring |
Uncommon |
Open clearing up to 500 |
|
222 |
Ypthima sakra Moore |
Himalayan Five Ring |
Very Common |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
223 |
Ypthima baldus Fabricius |
Common Five Ring |
Very Common |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
224 |
Ypthima baldus nikea |
Moore’s Five Ring |
Uncommon |
Forest 1300–2800 |
|
225 |
Ypthima kedarnathensis Singh |
Garhwal Six Ring |
Common |
Forest up to 1600–2000 |
|
226 |
Ypthima indecora Moore |
Western Five Ring |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 1300–1700 |
|
227 |
Rhaphicera moorei moorei Butler |
Small Tawny Wall |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1500–2000 |
|
228 |
Lasiommata schakra Kollar |
Common Wall |
Common |
Grassy hillside up to 2500 |
|
229 |
Aulocera swaha swaha Kollar |
Common Satyr |
Common |
Open rocky hillside 3000 |
|
230 |
Aulocera saraswati Kollar |
Striated Satyr |
Common |
Scrub meadow up to 2000 |
|
231 |
Aulocera padma Kollar |
Great Satyr |
Uncommon |
Open hillside 2400–3600 |
|
232 |
Aulocera brahminus dokwana Evans |
Narrow-banded Satyr |
Rare |
Open rocky hillside 4000 |
|
Sub-family: Apaturinae |
||||
|
233 |
Dilipa morgiana Westwood |
Golden Emperor |
Rare |
Hill forest 1500–2000 |
|
234 |
Sephisa dichroa Kollar |
Western Courtier |
Common |
Hill forest 3000 |
|
235 |
Apatura ambica Kollar |
Indian Purple Emperor |
Rare |
Hill forest 1500–2600 |
|
236 |
Euripus nyctelius |
Courtesan |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1000 |
|
237 |
Hestinalis nama Doubleday |
Circe |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 1500–2000 |
|
238 |
Hestina persimilis zella Butler |
Siren |
Rare |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
Sub-family: Charaxinae |
||||
|
239 |
Charaxes dolon dolon Westwood |
Stately Nawab |
Rare |
Hill Forest up to 2500 |
|
240 |
Charaxes athmas athamas Drury |
Common Nawab |
Uncommon |
Hill Forest up to 2000 |
|
Sub-family: Biblidinae |
||||
|
241 |
Ariadne ariadne |
Angle Castor |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
242 |
Ariadne merione tapestrina Moore |
Common Castor |
Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
Sub-family: Heliconidae |
||||
|
243 |
Cupha erymanthis |
Rustic |
Common |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
244 |
Phalanta phalantha Drury |
Common Leopard |
Common |
Forest up to 3000 |
|
245 |
Vagrans egista sinha Kollar |
Vagrant |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2000 |
|
246 |
Argynnis hyperbius Linnaeus |
Indian Fritillary |
Uncommon |
Grassy hillside up to 3000 |
|
247 |
Argynnis kamala |
Common Silverstripe |
Common |
Forest up to 3500 |
|
248 |
Argynnis childreni sakontala Kollar |
Large Silverstripe |
Common |
Forest clearing 1200–3000 |
|
249 |
Argynnis jainadeva |
Himalayan Highbrown Fritillary |
Uncommon |
Rocky Hillsides 2400–4700 |
|
250 |
Issoria (lathonia) isaea Doubleday |
Queen of Spain Fritillary |
Common |
Alpine meadow up to 5000 |
|
Sub-family: Acraeinae |
||||
|
251 |
Cethosia cyane Drury |
Leopard Lacewing |
Common |
Forest up to 4500 |
|
252 |
Acraea issoria i Hübner |
Yellow Coster |
Common |
Forest up to 2500 |
|
253 |
Acraea violae Fabricius |
Tawny Coster |
Common |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
Sub-family: Nymphalinae |
||||
|
254 |
Junonia iphita iphita Cramer |
Chocolate Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2100 |
|
255 |
Junonia orithya |
Blue Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2100 |
|
256 |
Junonia hierta hierta Fabricius |
Yellow Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2000 |
|
257 |
Junonia lemonias lemonias Linnaeus |
Lemon Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2000 |
|
258 |
Junonia atlites atlites Linnaeus |
Grey Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 1500 |
|
259 |
Junonia almana almana Linnaeus |
Peacock Pancy |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2100 |
|
260 |
Kaniska canace canace Evans |
Blue Admiral |
Common |
Hill forest 1000-3200 |
|
261 |
Vanessa indica indica Herbst |
Red Admiral |
Common |
Forest, meadow 400–3900 |
|
262 |
Vanessa cardui cardui Linnaeus |
Painted Lady |
Common |
Grassland and forest 4500 |
|
263 |
Aglais caschmirensis aesis Fruhstorfer |
Indian Tortoiseshell |
Common |
Forest, meadow 400–5000 |
|
264 |
Nymphalis xanthomelas
fervescens Stichel |
Large Tortoiseshell |
Common |
Hill forest 300–3200 |
|
265 |
Symbrenthia lilaea khasiana Moore |
Common Jester |
Common |
Hill forest 300–2000 |
|
266 |
Symbrenthia hypselis |
Spotted Jester |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 300–2000 |
|
267 |
Symbrenthia brabira Moore |
Himalayan Jester |
Common |
Hill forest 1500–2000 |
|
268 |
Hypolimnas misippus Linnaeus |
Danaid Eggfly |
Common |
Grassland and forest 3000 |
|
269 |
Hypolimnas bolina |
Great Eggfly |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2000 |
|
270 |
Kallima inachus |
Orange Oakleaf |
Common |
Forest up to 2100 |
|
Sub-family: Cyrestinae |
||||
|
271 |
Cyrestis thyodamas |
Common Map |
Common |
Grassland and forest 2100 |
|
272 |
Dichorragia nesimachus Boisduval |
Constable |
Common |
Hill forest 500–2000 |
|
273 |
Stibochiona nicea Gray |
Popinjay |
Common |
Forest up to 1500 |
|
274 |
Psuedergolis wedah Kollar |
Tabby |
Common |
Hill forest 1000–2000 |
|
Sub-family: Limentidinae |
||||
|
275 |
Neptis ananta Moore |
Yellow Sailer |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 400–2300 |
|
276 |
Neptis hylas |
Common Sailer |
Common |
Grassland and forest 3000 |
|
277 |
Neptis soma butleri |
Creamy Sailer |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2800 |
|
278 |
Neptis mahendra Moore |
Himalayan Sailer |
Common |
Hill forest 1700–3000 |
|
279 |
Neptis sappho astola Moore |
Pallas Sailer |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2000 |
|
280 |
Neptis clinia susruta |
Clear Sailer |
Uncommon |
Forest 500 or low elevation |
|
281 |
Neptis sankara sankara Kollar |
Broad Banded Sailer |
Common |
Hill forest up to 800-2500 |
|
282 |
Athyma perius Linnaeus |
Common Sergent |
Common |
Forest edges up to 2700 |
|
283 |
Athyma asura Moore |
Studded Sergent |
Uncommon |
Forest edges up to 2700 |
|
284 |
Athyma selenophora Kollar |
Staff Sergent |
Common |
Forest edges up to 2000 |
|
285 |
Athyma opalina Kollar |
Himalayan Sergent |
Common |
Hill forest 1800–2800 |
|
286 |
Auzakia danava Moore |
Commodore |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 500–2000 |
|
287 |
Limenitis trivena ligyes |
Indian White Admiral |
Uncommon |
Hill forest up to 2700 |
|
288 |
Euthalia patala Kollar |
Grand Duchess |
Uncommon |
Hill forest 400–2500 |
|
289 |
Euthalia sahadeva |
Green Duke |
Rare |
Hill forest 400–2000 |
|
290 |
Symphaedra nais Forster |
Baronet |
Common |
Forest up to 900 |
|
291 |
Euthalia aconthea |
Common Baron |
Common |
Grassland and forest 3000 |
|
Sub-family: Libytheinae |
||||
|
292 |
Libythea myrrha sanguinalis Godart |
Common Beak |
Common |
Hill forest 300–2800 |
|
293 |
Libythia lepita lepita Moore |
Club Beak |
Common |
Hill forest 300–3000 |
|
Sub-family: Danainae |
||||
|
294 |
Danaus chrysippus chrysippus Linnaeus |
Plain Tiger |
Common |
Plain and hills Up to 3000 |
|
295 |
Danaus genutia |
Striped Tiger |
Common |
Forest up to 2800 |
|
296 |
Parantica sita Kollar |
Chestnut Tiger |
Common |
Forest edges up to 3000 |
|
297 |
Tirumala limniace |
Blue Tiger |
Uncommon |
Forest up to 2800 |
|
298 |
Parantica aglea melanoides Moore |
Glassy Tiger |
Common |
Forest edges up to 2800 |
|
299 |
Euploea mulciber Mulciber Cramer |
Striped Blue Crow |
Common |
Plain and hills Up to 2500 |
|
300 |
Euploea core Cramer |
Common Indian Crow |
Common |
Plain and hills Up to 3000 |
For images
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