Thrilling Discovery: Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary Records Rare Butterfly Species for the First Time in Tripura!

In a significant discovery for Tripura’s biodiversity records, the Banded Royal butterfly, scientifically known as Rachana jalindra indra, has been documented for the first time in the state at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. The discovery was made on May 5, 2021, during an opportunistic survey by researchers Suman Bhowmik, Chiranjib Debnath, Rupali Biswas, and Animesh Das. This sighting marks a new entry in Tripura’s butterfly fauna, as previous studies had not recorded this species in the region.

The Banded Royal is legally protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, 1972. The findings were published in the January 1, 2025, edition of the biannual international journal, Munis Entomology & Zoology. This journal is renowned for publishing research on various aspects of entomology and zoology across the globe.

Rachana jalindra indra is one of the three subspecies of Rachana jalindra found in India, with the others being R. j. macantia and R. j. tarpina. In India, R. j. indra is typically found in areas ranging from Orissa to lower West Bengal and Bangladesh but has also been sighted in Assam, Meghalaya, and Jharkhand.

During the survey on May 20, 2021, the researchers observed a Lycaenid butterfly on a forest track within the sanctuary. A photograph was taken before the butterfly disappeared into the vegetation. The species was identified as Rachana jalindra indra by comparing the photo with existing taxonomic literature.

Identifiable by its white underside featuring a broad chocolate discal band on the forewing, Rachana jalindra indra can be distinguished from similar species like Charana mandarinus, which has a yellowish underside and a different forewing discal band color. Notably, the tails of Charana mandarinus are twice the size of Rachana jalindra’s. This exciting discovery enriches the biological diversity framework of Tripura, highlighting the state’s rich entomological potential.

Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/tripura/story/tripura-records-rare-butterfly-species-for-first-time-in-sepahijala-wildlife-sanctuary-1148651-2025-01-03?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-01-03 14:35:00