Sikkim: 44 butterfly species spotted in Lachung Valley

Among the finds are rare species like Ladakhi and Swallowtail, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Reported by Prakash Adhikari

A recent expedition in Sikkim’s Lachung Valley has revealed the presence of 44 butterfly species across different altitudes.

Among the finds are rare species like Ladakhi and Swallowtail, adding to the natural beauty of the area.

Here is the full list of 44 butterfly species:

1. Large-spotted Bush Bob
2. Brown bush bob
3. Grey-branded Darter
4. Dartlet sp.
5. flat sp.
6. Golden Sapphire
7. Purple Sapphire
8. Azure Sapphire
9. Common hedge blue
10. Pea Blue
11. Straightwing Blue
12. Common Lineblue
13. Pale Grass Blue
14. Silverline sp.
15. Stately Nawab
16. Map butterfly
17. Striped Blue Crow
18. Glassy Tiger
19. Yellow Coster
20. Red Lacewing
21. Large Silverstripe
22. Queen Fritillary
23. Hill Sergeant
24. White Commodore
25. Pale Green Sailer
26. Chocolate Pansy
27. Indian Tortoiseshell
28. Ladakh Tortoiseshell
29. Painted lady
30. Red Admiral
31. Tabby
32. Satyr sp.
33. Treble Silverstripe
34. Common Forester
35. Blue Forester
36. Common Woodbrown
37. Large-eye bushbrown
38. Dusky Labyrinth
39. Five-ring
40. Common Yellow Swallowtail
41. Tailed Redbreast
42. Dark Clouded Yellow
43. Bath White
44. Large cabbage white

Organized by the Wiki Love Butterfly (WLB) project in collaboration with local partners, the maiden expedition for Thamblyok-BSONS offered a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich biodiversity.

The expedition in Lachung marks a significant step in the ongoing efforts to document and conserve North Sikkim’s butterfly populations.

By recording species data, the group not only contributes to scientific understanding but also promotes eco-tourism and environmental education in the region.

The journey spanned altitudes from 1663 meters in the Chungthang belt to 4276 meters in the valleys of Yumthang, Damong, Katao and Chungthang.

The expedition also highlighted intriguing aspects of butterfly behaviour, including their affinity for flowering fields and their unique habits around livestock sheds.

“It’s awe-inspiring to witness the diverse sizes, colours, and patterns of these butterflies,” said the Thamblyok-BSONS team stating the importance of engaging youth in butterfly documentation.

“Lachung emerges as a prime destination for butterfly enthusiasts, offering not just visual delights but also insights into the delicate ecosystems of the Himalayas,” they added.

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