Discovery of three butterfly species in Uttarakhand takes total number to 453
Q. With the discovery in Uttarakhand, total number of butterflies species in the hill state has gone up to what number?- Published on 01 Aug 16a. 453
b. 454
c. 455
d. 456
ANSWER: 453
With the discovery in Uttarakhand of three varieties of butterflies, total number of varieties of butterflies found in the hill state is 453
- Of the three new varieties, two were discovered and photographed in Nainital and third was found in Haldwani.
- Of 1300 varieties of butterflies found in India, Uttarakhand was home to 450 till three more species were added to the list.
- Spotted three species are the following:
1. Ciliate Blue- Anthene emolus
2. Newar three ring (Ypthima newer)
3. Western Five Ring (Ypthima indecora) - Forest department held that this is the first time the Ciliate Blue (28-35 mm) is recorded from Western Himalaya in Uttarakhand
- Species is previously found in southern parts of India, Nepal to NE India.
- In India it is found in Bihar, Sikkim, Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal and NE states.
- Newar three ring (35-40 mm) is also recorded first time in the hill state Uttarakhand and is found in areas from Kashmir to Kumaon and in Arunachal Pradesh as well.
- Single specimen of the butterfly species were found in FRI Dehradun
- Third one, Western Five Ring (45 to 50 mm) was identified by IUCN member Krushnamegh Kunte who founded the Indian Foundation for Butterflies.
