New butterfly species endemic to Western Ghats discovered in Karnataka

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Cigaritis conjuncta or the Conjoined Silverline butterfly:

Researchers from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR) in Bengaluru, in collaboration with the Indian Foundation for Butterflies Trust, have identified a new species of silverline butterfly in India’s Western Ghats biodiversity hotspots.
Named Cigaritis conjuncta or the “conjoined silverline,” the butterfly was initially spotted in 2008 at the Honey valley, Kodagu district of Karnataka.
The discovery includes distinctive features such as a black upper wing with shiny blue on the lower wings, an orange patch with two black spots, and unique patterns on the underside, including fused bands and silver lines.
The conjoined silverline is the second endemic species discovered in the Western Ghats and prefers dense mid-elevation evergreen forests.
The researchers identified 30 individuals during their field research, highlighting its specialized habitat preferences.
In India, there are 16 species of silverline butterflies, with 11 of them found in both peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

Source: DTE