A tiny butterfly species new to science has been discovered
in the verdant forests of the Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The
discovery of this butterfly christened as the Banded Tit (Hypolycaena Narada),
was announced by state Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife and
Biodiversity) Dr Yogesh in Itanagar. Interesting life cycle: The adult
butterflies of this species live only for approximately 2 weeks in month of
March every year. Remaining year, they spend in a dormant state in the form of
larval or pupal stages. It feed primarily on bird-droppings along cool streams
in the forests. However, much of its biology such as its larval host plants,
breeding behaviour and precise habitat requirements are still unknown. According
to PTI, a new butterfly species called the Bright-eyed Argus (Callerebia
Dibangensis) was last discovered in Arunachal Pradesh a few years ago. The
discovery of the Banded Tit raises the possibility that many more species that
are new to science still remain to be discovered in the remote mountain ranges
and forests of the state and in the North East India as a whole.
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