The butterfly species Euthalia malaccana has been newly documented in Arunachal Pradesh, India, after extensive fieldwork and scientific validation.
This discovery extends its known range from Southeast Asia into India and contributes significantly to the understanding of butterfly biodiversity in the northeast.
The study also highlights the role of citizen scientists in advancing ecological knowledge. Important keywords include Euthalia malaccana, Arunachal Pradesh, butterfly biodiversity, citizen science, and Indo-Australian region.
Background and Taxonomy
- Euthalia malaccana was once thought to be a subspecies of Euthalia adonia but has since been classified as a distinct species.
- This butterfly is primarily found in Southeast Asia, including northern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, and the Sunda Islands.
- Its occurrence in India was questionable until this new discovery.
Discovery and Documentation
- The butterfly was recorded in Basar, the headquarters of Leparada district in Arunachal Pradesh, at about 685 meters above sea level.
- Citizen scientist and Arunachal Pradesh policeman Roshan Upadhaya, along with Taslima Sheikh, a Lucknow-based citizen science expert, conducted fieldwork involving remote locations with local guides.
- Five individuals of the species were documented between 2023 and 2024.
- The findings were published in SHILAP Revista de Lepidopterologia, an international journal focused on butterfly research.
