Dusted Apollo

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

In the news:

The Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus), a rare high-altitude butterfly, was recently sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh, specifically during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.

Details:

This sighting is significant for the diversity of Apollo butterflies in the region, emphasizing its flourishing state.
Discovered in 1890, the Dusted Apollo’s range spans from Ladakh to West Nepal, inhabiting altitudes between 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
This species, never before photographed in Himachal Pradesh, is distinguished from the Ladakh Banded Apollo by specific features like a complete discal band on the upper forewing and a narrower dark marginal band on the hind wings.
The identification of the Dusted Apollo was confirmed after thorough scientific examinations.
Additionally, the sighting of another rare species, the Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was noted, which is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
These sightings are an indicator of the region’s rich butterfly diversity and there is a need for immediate conservation efforts due to the endangered status of Apollo butterflies, which are also targeted by poaching.

Source: TH