First photographic record of the butterfly Himalayan Sordid Emperor (Chitoria sordida sordida) has been reported from Namdapha National Park, Arunachal Pradesh.

About Himalayan Sordid Emperor

• It is a butterfly species belonging to the Nymphalidae family.
• Known for brownish wing patterns and typical basking behaviour on rocks.
• Usually found in tropical forest habitats at lower elevations.

Key Highlights of Discovery

• Recorded in Namdapha National Park and Tiger Reserve, one of India’s richest biodiversity areas.
• Observed near a forest stream (Lunkai Nalla).
• Identification based on:
  • Wing patterns
  • Antennae structure
  • Colouration
• No specimen collected; record is based on photographic evidence.

Significance of the Finding

• Marks a range extension for the species.
• Earlier known from:
  • Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, Manipur
  • Bhutan and Myanmar
• Not recorded in earlier checklists of Arunachal despite ~175 species of Nymphalidae documented.

Exam Hook

Prelims (MCQ)

With reference to the Himalayan Sordid Emperor, consider the following statements:

1. It belongs to the Nymphalidae family of butterflies.
2. It has been recorded for the first time in Arunachal Pradesh.
3. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act.
4. It is commonly found in desert ecosystems.

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

Answer: (a)

One Line Wrap

The Himalayan Sordid Emperor’s discovery in Arunachal highlights Northeast India’s unexplored biodiversity and the need for deeper ecological research.

Source