Monday, Oct 30, 2023 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Monday, Oct 30, 2023 16:18 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Dzongu is living up to its historical billing as a butterfly hotspot, thanks to a growing interest among local youth to document the floating beauties in their native surroundings.
After giving the world a new butterfly species ‘Chocolate-bordered Flitter’ (Zographetus dzonguensis) in 2021, the Dzongu butterfly chasers have now proved with photographs the existence of the elusive Constable butterfly (Dichorragia nesimachus) in Sikkim.
Two Constable butterflies were spotted and photographed by local youth Adon Lepcha at Noom Panang village, Upper Dzongu on October 7.
What makes the discovery more relevant is that the existence of Constable butterfly in Sikkim had not been evidenced so far.
“A special butterfly called the Dichorragia nesimachus - Constable butterfly, which people thought was in Sikkim but couldn't prove, has now been spotted there! This discovery is essential because it proves that the Constable butterfly is in Sikkim, and that's a big deal. Sikkim is already famous for its diverse butterflies, and now it can add this rare butterfly to the list. It also teaches us more about Sikkim's natural world and reminds us to take care of it,” said Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha, a Dzongu butterfly chronicler.
He is also the president of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim – TPCF.
The Constable butterfly is a stunning creature with intricate patterns on its wings. It's native to different parts of India, and it has always been a favourite among butterfly enthusiasts.
As per Sonam Wangchuk, people had talked about the Constable butterfly being in Sikkim before and mentioned that it can be found up to 2100m, but there was no solid proof up to October 7, 2023.
That was when local butterfly enthusiast Adon Lepcha, while on a butterfly spotting tour in Noom Panang village in Dzongu, came across two Constable butterflies. He took photos of the two Constable butterflies in his mobile camera. These photos show the butterfly's colors and patterns up close, leaving no doubt that the Constable butterfly is in Sikkim.
“What's even more surprising is that the Forest and Wildlife department, Government of Sikkim, also didn't have the Constable butterfly on its checklist. It makes you wonder how such a beautiful butterfly remained undiscovered in the region,” said Sonam Wangchuk.
After Adon’s discovery, Sonam Wangchuk also visited the spot the next day but could not spot the elusive butterfly. He then recorded the geographical location of the spot at Noom Panang village.
Butterfly experts Nosang M. Limbu, Sanjyog Rai, Sonam Pintso Sherpa, Dorjee Tshering Lepcha, Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha Jr., Janukit Lepcha, Dilip Dhakal Sharma, Mingdup Lepcha, and Lhendup Lepcha who study butterflies have shared their thoughts.
“They said that nobody had ever taken pictures of the Constable butterfly in Sikkim before. So, this discovery is pretty special. This discovery is more than just a great photo. It helps us learn more about Sikkim's natural world. It also shows the need to keep exploring and protecting the environment. This is a reminder to look after Sikkim's forests, rivers, and all the creatures that call it home. The Constable butterfly's presence shows how important it is to protect these beautiful places,” said Sonam Wangchuk.
