The Himalayan butterfly, known as the Golden Birdwing (Troides aeacus), has recently made news after it was identified as India’s largest butterfly. This significant finding comes 88 years after an unknown specimen was recorded as the largest by British army officer Brigadier Evans in 1932. The newly discovered butterfly replaces this previously recorded specimen.
Key Details about the Discovery
The Golden Birdwing’s discovery came with observations of both male and female members of the species, spotted at different locations. The female butterfly was found in Didihat, Uttarakhand while the male was spotted at the Wankhar Butterfly Museum in Shillong, Meghalaya.
Unique Characteristics of the Golden Birdwing
The most distinguishing characteristic of the female Golden Birdwing is its wingspan. Measuring up to 194 mm, the female of the species is slightly larger than the Southern Birdwing, which has a wingspan of 190 mm. Notably, the Southern Birdwing was the previous record holder for the largest butterfly in India, a record that dated back to 1932. Interestingly, the male Golden Birdwing is significantly smaller, with a wingspan of only 106 mm.
Methodologies in Butterfly Measurement
In the study of Lepidoptera, the group of insects that includes butterflies, the only measurement typically considered is wingspan. Butterflies are measured from the base of their wing to the tip.
Importance of Butterflies in Ecosystems
Butterflies hold a significant place in the natural world. They are key indicators of a region’s biodiversity, reflecting the quality and changes in environmental conditions and aspects of community composition. Additionally, butterflies play a crucial role as pollinators, helping in the conservation of many plant species.
A Closer Look at Southern Birdwing
Troides minos, commonly known as the Southern Birdwing, was previously recognized as one of India’s largest butterflies. Native to south India, it boasts a wingspan between 140 to 190 mm. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies the Southern Birdwing under the ‘Least Concern’ category regarding its conservation status.
