Feature

Details

Common Name (Proposed)

Sahyadri Spotted Flitter

Taxonomic Family

Hesperiidae (Skipper Butterflies)

Genus

Zographetus Watson

Species Group

Zographetus satwa species-group

Number in Genus (Oriental Group)

15th species

Recorded from India

5th species from India

Endemic Region

Low-elevation forests of Kerala, Western Ghats (Sahyadri hills)

Key Identification Features

- Swollen forewing veins in males (secondary sexual trait)

- Basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing

- Yellow-ochre scaling on hindwing underside

- Distinct genitalia in both sexes

Ecological Role

- Pollinators

- Biological pest control

- Prey for other species

- Enhance genetic variation in plants

- Environmental beauty enhancers

Environmental Importance

Act as bioindicators; their presence, abundance, and diversity reflect ecosystem health

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. Consider the following statements regarding Zographetus mathewi:

1. It is a newly discovered butterfly species belonging to the family Nymphalidae.
2. It is endemic to the Western Ghats of Kerala.
3. It is the first species of its genus recorded from India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: It belongs to the family Hesperiidae, not Nymphalidae.

Statement 2 is correct: It is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala (Western Ghats).

Statement 3 is incorrect: It is the fifth species of the genus recorded from India, not the first.