A dazzling blue butterfly species has emerged from the lush rainforests of Tamil Nadu’s Srivilliputur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai! This exciting find wasn’t just a stroke of luck, but the culmination of dedicated efforts by researchers, led by Dr. Kalesh Sadasivam, Ramasamy Kamaya, and Dr. C.P. Rajkumar from Vanam, an NGO based in Theni.
The newfound wonder has been aptly named ‘Cigaritis meghamalaiensis’, a tribute to its home amidst the misty “cloud mountains” of Megamalai. This exquisite creature marks a momentous occasion – the first new butterfly species discovered in the Western Ghats in a staggering 33 years!
Tamil Nadu IAS officer Supriya Sahu shared this joyous news on the social media platform. Taking to social media platform X, she posted a captivating picture of the butterfly, its iridescent wings shimmering like sapphires against the verdant backdrop. Her accompanying message brimmed with excitement, aptly describing the butterfly as “a new kid on the block,” and highlighting the significance of this discovery.
With this breathtaking addition, the total butterfly count in the Western Ghats soars to 337, with 40 species calling these mountains their exclusive home.
There is a new kid on the block and its a Blue Butterfly 🦋 – Reserachers in Tamil Nadu's Sriviliputhur Tiger Reserve in Megamalai have discovered a new species of Silverline butterfly namely 'Cigaritis meghamalaiensis' Dr. Kalesh Sadasivam,Thiru Ramasamy Kamaya and Dr.C.P.… pic.twitter.com/HuoYdJjTaR
— Supriya Sahu IAS (@supriyasahuias) January 13, 2024
