New butterfly species: Euthalia zubeengargi
Context
A new butterfly species has been recorded from Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the region’s rich but still underexplored biodiversity.
Key highlights
Scientific name: Euthalia zubeengargi
Common name proposed: Basar Duke
Named after: Zubeen Garg
Location: Semi-evergreen forests of Leparada district
Altitude range: 600–750 metres
Ecological observations
Only two male individualswere recorded:
One collected specimen
One photographed in the wild
Suggests the species may be:
Rare, or
Highly localized (endemic)
About the genus Euthalia
Belongs to a group widely distributed in South and Southeast Asia
Typically found in forested habitats
Characterized by:
Earthy brown wings
Pale spots or markings
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the recently discovered butterfly Euthalia zubeengargi, consider the following statements:
It was discovered in the Western Ghats region.
It belongs to a genus commonly found in South and Southeast Asia.
It has been named after Zubeen Garg.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect → It was discovered in Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya), not Western Ghats.
Statement 2 is correct → Genus Euthalia is widespread in South & Southeast Asia.
Statement 3 is correct → Named after Zubeen Garg.
Q. The term “Basar Duke,” recently seen in news, refers to:
(a) A newly discovered medicinal plant
(b) A species of bird endemic to Northeast India
(c) A newly recorded butterfly species
(d) A tribal conservation initiative
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
“Basar Duke” is the common name proposed for Euthalia zubeengargi, a newly recorded butterfly.