A remarkable discovery has thrilled the scientific community and nature enthusiasts alike: the reappearance of the Great Four-Ring butterfly -Ypthima cantliei in India after a staggering 61 years.
This extraordinary find was made possible by a dedicated team of researchers, including a unique collaboration between a policeman and scientists.
Roshan Upadhaya, a member of the Arunachal Pradesh Police, along with Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), and Renu Gogoi and Rezina Ahmed from Cotton University's Department of Zoology, were responsible for this groundbreaking discovery.
The butterfly was spotted during a comprehensive survey conducted in the Namdapha National Park, a sprawling 1,985 square kilometer tiger reserve nestled in Arunachal Pradesh, India's easternmost state.
Known for its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes, Namdapha provided the perfect habitat for this elusive creature.
The Great Four-Ring butterfly is a member of the Satyrinae family, which boasts an impressive 6,000 species worldwide. While India is home to 35 Ypthima species, the highest diversity of this genus is found in China, particularly in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces. Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar also harbor a significant number of these butterflies.
This particular species is distinguished by its dull brown-grey wings adorned with three yellow-ringed eye spots on the hind wing and a large, bi-pupilled apical ocellus with an obscure yellow ring on the forewing.
The rediscovery of the Great Four-Ring butterfly is a testament to the ecological richness of India and the importance of ongoing research and conservation efforts.
It is hoped that this find will inspire further exploration and protection of the country's diverse ecosystems.
Additional details:
The Great Four-Ring butterfly is a relatively small butterfly, with a wingspan of about 2
inches.
It is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
The butterfly's flight is weak and fluttering, and it often perches on leaves or flowers.
The Great Four-Ring butterfly is a nectar feeder, and it is often seen feeding on flowers of a variety of plants.
The butterfly's eggs are laid on leaves, and the larvae hatch after about a week.
The larvae are green and have black spots.
The larvae feed on leaves of a variety of plants, including grasses, sedges, and forbs.
The larvae pupate in a brown chrysalis, and the adult butterfly emerges after about two
weeks.
The Great Four-Ring butterfly is a beautiful and unique creature, and it is a reminder of
the importance of protecting our planet's biodiversity.
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