Zubeen Garg’s New Butterfly: Basar Duke

New Butterfly Species Named After Zubeen Garg

Why in the News ?

A new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, has been discovered in Arunachal Pradesh and named after Assamese icon Zubeen Garg. The finding highlights India’s rich biodiversity and raises concerns about conservation due to the species’ rare and localised presence.

New Butterfly Named for Zubeen Garg

Discovery and Scientific Significance:

  • A new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, was recorded in Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Discovered by researchers Roshan Upadhaya and Kalesh Sadasivan during 2025 field surveys.
  • Findings published in Entomon journal, associated with the Association for Advancement of Entomology.
  • The proposed common name is “Basar Duke”, reflecting regional association.
  • The discovery adds to India’s faunal diversity, especially in the Eastern Himalayas biodiversity hotspot.

Features and Habitat of the Species

  • Belongs to the Euthalia genus, widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia.
  • Typically found in forested habitats, especially semi-evergreen forests.
  • Observed at elevations of 600–750 metres, indicating a specific ecological niche.
  • Characterised by earthy brown wings with pale markings, typical of its genus.
  • Only two male individuals recorded, suggesting the species is rare or highly localised.

About Biodiversity and Species Naming :

●  Taxonomy: Scientific classification of organisms; new species are named using binomial nomenclature.

●  Naming often honours individuals, places, or distinctive features of the species.

●  Eastern Himalayas recognised as a global biodiversity hotspot due to high endemism.

●  Discovery of new species indicates ecological richness but also highlights conservation gaps.

●  Threats include habitat loss, climate change, and limited scientific documentation.