.png)
Bengaluru:
Bengaluru biologists have identified a new butterfly species in the Kodagu district of the Western Ghats. First spotted near Iruppu Falls in 2008, the species gained significance for further study after a substantial population was found in Honey Valley two years ago.
Scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences and the Indian Foundation for Butterflies observed 30 of these butterflies in a 100-meter stretch. They conducted detailed studies on five males and four females, determining that these butterflies are distinct from other similar species.
As reported by Deccan Herald, the recently discovered butterfly has been named Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjuncta) due to the fused spots and bands on the underside of its wings, along with shiny silver lines at the center of those bands.
The scientist mentioned in the report anticipates a broader distribution of the species, suggesting its presence in other forests of Kodagu and the central Western Ghats of Karnataka. The expectation extends southward in the Western Ghats, possibly reaching the hill ranges of Tamil Nadu (Nilgiris) and southern Kerala (up to Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary).
Although its dimensions are comparable to a one-rupee coin, this species holds great significance for conservationists due to its endemic presence in mid-elevation evergreen forests of the Western Ghats mountains. The species has been identified at two sites, one at an elevation of 900 meters (Iruppu Falls) and the other at 1,300 meters (Honey Valley).
Follow us on Instagram and X(Twitter) to get latest news updates and special stories from Kodagu.
Share your feedback on our website via email at thekodaguexpress@gmail.com
Commentaires