In a major discovery, butterfly researchers have extended the known distribution of the Black-spot Royal to Sikkim, making it the third Indian state, after Manipur and Meghalaya, to record the presence of this rare species. 

About the Discovery

  • The research was conducted by Sikkim-based lepidopterists Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, Monish Kumar Thapa, Sonam Pintso Sherpa, and Nosang M. Limboo.
  • This marks the first confirmed record of Tajuria luculentus from Sikkim, thereby extending its geographical distribution westwards in the Eastern Himalayan range.

About the Black-spot Royal (Tajuria luculentus)

  • Common names: Black-spot Royal Butterfly / Chinese Royal.
  • Belongs to the genus Tajuria and family Lycaenidae (the “blues” family).
  • Distinguishing features: Vibrant blue upper wings with a distinct black spot and intricate white-bordered lines along the wing edges.
  • Earlier recorded in Manipur, Meghalaya, Nepal, and recently in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
  • Significance: Butterflies like Tajuria luculentus act as bioindicators, reflecting the health of ecosystems. 
    • Their presence signals stable habitats and rich floral diversity — vital for conservation planning in the ecologically fragile Himalayan belt.

Biodiversity Significance

  • Sikkim hosts over 720 butterfly species, making it one of India’s richest butterfly regions and a core area of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.
  • In Dzongu alone, more than 428 species have been documented — underscoring how even small Himalayan valleys support remarkable diversity.

Exam Hook – UPSC Prelims Question

Consider the following statements about the Black-spot Royal Butterfly (Tajuria luculentus):

  1. It belongs to the Lycaenidae family and is known for its vibrant blue wings with black markings.
  2. It is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022.
  3. The species has recently been recorded in Sikkim for the first time.
  4. It is endemic to the Western Ghats region.

Which of the above statements are correct?
 (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 1 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a)

One-line wrap:
 The discovery of the Black-spot Royal in Sikkim adds a new jewel to the Himalayan butterfly map — a reminder that even the smallest wings can reveal the vast richness of nature.

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