A team of scientists and lepidopterists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS) has made an exciting discovery in the biodiverse Western Ghats of India. They have identified a new butterfly species called the Conjoined Silverline (Cigaritis conjucta) in the dense forests of Kodagu district. This discovery highlights the region’s potential for harboring unidentified species and the importance of conserving its unique habitats.
The team, led by renowned butterfly expert Prof Krushnamegh Kunte, made the discovery in collaboration with the Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust. During their survey of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, they found more than 30 individual butterflies of the new species in an area called Honey Valley. The examination of morphological traits confirmed that it was an unrecorded species.
The Conjoined Silverline is a tiny butterfly, measuring less than an inch in wingspan, belonging to the Lycaenidae family, like other Silverline butterflies. It may appear indistinguishable from its close relatives when viewed from a distance. However, closer observation reveals distinctive fused bands on the underside of the wings, which led to its unique name.
Unlike most other Silverline butterflies that are widespread across the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayas, the newly discovered species seems to have a limited habitat range restricted to the dense, wet evergreen forests of the mid-elevation Western Ghats. This indicates a high degree of habitat specialization.
Kodagu, where the Conjoined Silverline was found, is located in the biodiversity hotspot of the Western Ghats, known for its numerous endemic flora and fauna. This latest discovery further emphasizes the importance of the region in conserving unique species.
Prof Kunte, who first photographed the butterfly in 2008, expressed his excitement about finding an undescribed species after years of extensive butterfly study in India. The discovery serves as a reminder of the thrill and motivation that comes with spotting something new in the realm of biodiversity.
With over 1,500 recorded butterfly species, India is a hotbed for lepidoptery, the study of butterflies. Advances in genomic analysis have facilitated the identification of new species based on DNA evidence, reducing the chances of misidentification.
Diwakar Shukla, an ecologist at Bengaluru University, believes that more undiscovered endemic species are waiting to be found in the unique habitats of the Western Ghats. He emphasizes the need for continued fieldwork and the application of the latest tools and techniques to unveil the unknown biodiversity of the region.
The findings of the NCBS team have now been published in the scientific journal Zootaxa, contributing to the scientific community’s understanding of butterfly species. Discoveries like the Conjoined Silverline not only evoke pride and excitement but also shed light on the evolutionary uniqueness of local ecologies. Protecting these habitats is crucial for long-term conservation efforts.
The rare butterfly discovery in Kodagu’s forests has not only thrilled scientists and lepidopterists but has also sparked hope for further explorations in Karnataka. The state’s minister of forest, ecology, and environment, Eshwar B Khandre, commended the NCBS team and expressed his desire for more important research to be conducted in the region.
The identification of the Conjoined Silverline serves as a reminder of the hidden wonders that await in nature’s unexplored corners. It unveils the intricate tapestry of life and urges us to appreciate and protect our planet’s rich biodiversity. With ongoing scientific advancements and dedicated efforts, it is only a matter of time before more hidden treasures are unveiled and celebrated.
