ITANAGAR : Researchers have discovered a butterfly species previously unknown to science in Arunachal Pradesh, adding a new member to the world’s butterfly fauna and underscoring the rich but largely unexplored biodiversity of the Eastern Himalaya.
The new species, named Chonala albistricta or Narrow-banded Wall, was discovered at Mayodia Pass in Lower Dibang Valley district and formally described in the international journal Zootaxa on June 10.
The discovery was made by a three-member research team led by Dr Krushnamegh Kunte of the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru. The team also included researchers Fahim Khan and Ujwala Pawar.
According to Khan, Chonala albistricta is the tenth known species in the genus Chonala globally and only the second species of the genus to be recorded from India.
The butterfly derives its name from the distinctly narrow and unevenly bent white band on its forewing, a key identifying feature.
Researchers said the discovery process began in August last year, with Pawar playing a crucial role in specimen curation and dissection, which helped establish the butterfly’s distinct identity.
The newly described species belongs to the genus Chonala, a small group of mountain butterflies found in high-altitude regions of the Himalayas and adjoining parts of Asia.
Although it closely resembles Chonala masoni, commonly known as the Chumbi Wall, detailed scientific examination revealed consistent differences in wing patterns, morphology and male genital structures, confirming it as a separate species, the researchers said.
Scientists noted that butterflies of this group are rare and highly localised, often occurring in isolated mountain ranges where populations evolve independently over long periods.
“This high-altitude butterfly species is notoriously difficult to study as they occur in small populations, fly for only a brief period each year from June to August, and inhabit remote mountain passes that are often challenging to access,” Khan said.
He added that the species breeds only once annually.
The researchers said isolated mountain habitats act like natural islands, enabling butterfly populations to diverge over time and evolve into distinct species.
They noted that the discovery highlights the exceptional biological richness of the Eastern Himalaya and suggests that more undiscovered butterfly species may still exist in remote Himalayan landscapes across Northeast India and neighbouring regions of Asia. (Eastern Mirror)
