NEW BUTTERFLY SPECIES (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: A new species of silverline butterfly has been identified in the biodiversity hotspots in India’s Western Ghats.

Conjoined Silverline

• Scientific name: Cigaritis conjuncta
• First time spotted: In 2008 but came under extensive research in 2021.
• Discovery: The breakthrough was achieved by scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR) in Bengaluru, in partnership with researchers from the Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust.
• Location and Findings: In Honey Valley, Kodagu district of Karnataka, the team uncovered five male and four female specimens of the conjoined silverline butterfly. Their findings were documented in the journal Zootaxa.
• Population and Family: During field research, 30 conjoined silverline butterflies were identified. Belonging to the Lycaenidae family, there are 16 silverline butterfly species in India, with 11 found in peninsular India and Sri Lanka.
• Significance: While visually similar to other silverline butterflies, the conjoined silverline distinguishes itself upon closer examination. Its distinct wing patterns make it the second endemic species in the Western Ghats.