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Sikkim: 44 butterfly species spotted in Lachung Valley

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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Northeast Live Digital Desk