Cigaritis meghamalaiensis

6th January, 2024 Environment

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Context

A new species of Silverline butterfly Cigaritis meghamalaiensis has been discovered at the Meghamalai hills in the Periyar landscape of southern Western Ghats.

Details

The species is named after Meghamalai region.
It was for the first time in three decades that a new species has been discovered at the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot.
Meghamalai means 'cloud mountain', reflecting the montane habitat of this very local species, which is restricted to the sub-tropical evergreen 'sholas' or cloud forests of the Periyar landscape, and justifies the common name 'Cloud-forest Silverline'.

Cigaritis meghamalaiensis

Cigaritis meghamalaiensis or the cloud-forest silverline is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae.

Description

Cigaritis meghamalaiensis is distinguished from other species of the genus in peninsular South Asia, having the discal and postdiscal bands on the underside of the forewing being conjoined and parallel.
It is also characterized by a continuous post-basal band on the underside of the hindwing, which doesn't reach up to the discal band. The dorsal side of the wings shows extensive blue markings in males.

Distribution

meghamalaiensis has been described from the Meghamalai hills, in the southern part of the Western Ghats.
It is found to be common in the Meghamalai of Tamil Nadu and in the nearby Periyar Tiger Reserve of Kerala.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Question:

Cigaritis meghamalaiensis, a butterfly species, has recently gained attention. Which of the following statements regarding this species is/are correct?

1.It is a large, brightly colored butterfly species found in the Amazon rainforest.

2.Cigaritis meghamalaiensis is known for its unique migratory patterns spanning across multiple continents.

3.The species is named after the region of Meghamalai, and its detailed characteristics may be found in recent scientific literature.

4.It is listed as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List.

Select the correct answer using the codes below:

A) 1 and 2 only

B) 3 only

C) 2 and 4 only

D) 3 and 4 only

Answer:

B) 3 only

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