New butterfly species endemic to Western Ghats discovered in Karnataka

New butterfly species endemic to Western Ghats discovered in Karnataka

 A new species of silverline 

butterfl y, named Cigaritis 

conjuncta or “conjoined 

silverline,” has been identifi ed 

in India’s Western Ghats, a 

biodiversity hotspot.

 The conjoined silverline 

butterfl y was fi rst spotted in 

2008 but received extensive 

research attention in 2021.

 The researchers found fi ve 

male and four female specimens of this butterfl y in Honey valley, Kodagu district of Karnataka.

 The conjoined silverline butterfl y belongs to the Lycaenidae family and is the second endemic 

species discovered in the Western Ghats.

 It is primarily found in dense mid-elevation evergreen forests, indicating specialized habitat 

preferences.

 Although it may appear similar to other silverline butterfl ies from a distance, distinct wing patterns, 

particularly the fused bands on the underside, set it apart.

 In India, there are 16 species of silverline butterfl ies, with 11 of them found in both peninsular 

India and Sri Lanka, and some are limited to the Himalayan region.

 The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the importance of 

conservation eff orts in this region.