1. Headline News
- The Discovery: The Banded Royal butterfly (Rachana jalindra indra) has been recorded for the first time in the state of Tripura.
- Location: The sighting occurred in the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary (specifically, the butterfly was photographed basking on bushes along a forest track).
- Documentation: The findings were published in the international peer-reviewed journal Munis Entomology & Zoology in January 2025.
2. Scientific Profile
- Scientific Name: Rachana jalindra indra
- Family: Lycaenidae (Blues)
- Conservation Status: Protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Rarity: Considered a rare species in India.
3. Subspecies Distribution in India
There are three recognized subspecies of the Banded Royal (Rachana jalindra) found in India. This discovery updates the known range of the indra subspecies.
| Subspecies | Region/Range |
| R. j. indra | Odisha, West Bengal, Bangladesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Jharkhand + New: Tripura |
| R. j. macantia | Southwest India (Western Ghats) to Goa |
| R. j. tarpina | Andaman Islands |
4. Identification Features (For Description)
- Underside (Both sexes): Distinctive white underside with a broad, chocolate-brown band on the forewing (giving it the name “Banded Royal”). It has prominent green scales on the hindwings near the tail.
- Upperside (Male): Deep purple or bluish sheen with dark brown borders.
- Upperside (Female): Mostly brownish with white markings.
- Behavior: It prefers dense vegetation and is often seen resting on leaves rather than flying in open spaces.
5. Habitat & Ecology
- Host Plants: The larvae typically feed on parasitic shrubs of the mistletoe family (Loranthaceae), specifically Macrosolen cochinchinensis.
- Environment: Found in low-elevation evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
6. Significance of Discovery
- Range Extension: This sighting confirms that the species’ range extends further into Northeast India than previously documented.
- Biodiversity Health: The presence of this rare butterfly in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary indicates a healthy ecosystem capable of supporting specialized species.
- Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary: Located about 25 km from Agartala, this sanctuary is also famous for the Clouded Leopard National Park and for housing the Spectacled Langur.
Would you like me to create a “Quick Revision List” of other rare species recently discovered/sighted in Northeast India?