10.04.2024
Neptis philyra
For Prelims: About Neptis philyra, Key Facts about Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
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Why in the news?
A rare butterfly species named Neptis philyra has been recently discovered for the first time in India in Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.
About Neptis philyra:
- It is a rare species of butterfly, commonly known as the long-streak sailor.
- Till date, the butterfly species was known to be found across various regions of east Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central and southwest China.
- The butterfly has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and yellow-brown on the underside.
- The butterfly’s distinct markings include a white cell streak forming a “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing.
- The species, which is part of the Nymphalidae family, is known to prefer habitats such as evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.
Key Facts about Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Location: It is located near the Apatani cultural landscape in the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.
- Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through this sanctuary.
- Flora: It has a stunning spectrum of subtropical and alpine forests like silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron.
- Fauna: Clouded leopard, Himalayan squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear etc.
Source: The Times of India