Description

Source: HINDU

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Context

Euthalia malaccana a butterfly species native to Southeast Asia has been recorded for the first time in India.

The discovery was made in Basar, the headquarters of Leparada district Arunachal Pradesh.

Taxonomic Significance

Once considered a subspecies of Euthalia adonia.

Current Status: Recognized as a distinct species (Euthalia malaccana).

Global Distribution

Native to Southeast Asia: Northern Thailand, Malay Peninsula and Sunda Islands.

First confirmed record in India thereby extending its known range in the Indo-Australian biogeographic region.

Morphological Features

Characteristic	Description
Forewings	Blue apical spot prominent in males; females have larger apical spots
Hindwings	Display reduced red spots
Comparison	Distinguished from Euthalia lubentina by differences in wing pattern

Butterflies

Aspect	Details
Definition	Butterflies are insects belonging to the order Lepidoptera along with moths.
Scientific Order	Lepidoptera
Body Structure	Divided into three parts – Head, Thorax, Abdomen; possess two pairs of wings and antennae
Metamorphosis	Undergo complete metamorphosis: Egg → Larva (caterpillar) → Pupa (chrysalis) → Adult
Feeding Habit	Most adults feed on nectar, while caterpillars feed on leaves/plants
Habitat	Found in forests, grasslands, wetlands, gardens and mountains across all continents except Antarctica
Ecological Role	Pollinators (especially for wildflowers) Indicators of a healthy ecosystem Food source for birds and other animals
Difference from Moths	Butterflies are generally diurnal; moths are nocturnal Butterfly antennae are clubbed, moths have feathery or threadlike ones
Conservation Status	Many species are threatened due to habitat loss, pesticides, climate change and invasive species
Examples (India)	Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor) – State butterfly of Maharashtra Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis) – Rare butterfly of Eastern Himalayas
Biodiversity Hotspots	Western Ghats Northeast India Himalayan region Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Threats	Deforestation Overuse of pesticides Invasive alien plants Climate change impacts
Conservation Efforts	Butterfly gardens (e.g., Bannerghatta, Bengaluru) Citizen science projects Legal protection under Wildlife Protection Act
Legal Protection	Some butterflies like Kaiser-i-Hind are listed in Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Interesting Fact	Some butterflies migrate seasonally e.g., Lemon Pansy, Plain Tiger across regions in India