Scientists have discovered a brand-new butterfly species called Euthalia zubeengargi in the Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh. Researchers named it after the late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. This discovery is important for UPSC, APSC, and State PCS exams because it touches key topics in Environment and Ecology, Northeast India’s Biodiversity, and Science and Technology (Flora and Fauna).
What Happened? The Discovery of Euthalia zubeengargi
In 2025, researchers conducted field surveys in the semi-evergreen forests of Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district. During these surveys, they spotted a butterfly that did not match any previously known species. After careful scientific study, they confirmed it as a completely new species and published their findings in Entomon, the journal of the Association for Advancement of Entomology.
The researchers named this butterfly Euthalia zubeengargi in honour of Zubeen Garg, the beloved Assamese singer and cultural icon who passed away on September 19, 2025. They also suggested the common name “Basar Duke” for this species.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Item | Details |
| Scientific Name | Euthalia zubeengargi |
| Common Name | Basar Duke |
| Discovery Location | Leparada District, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Habitat | Semi-evergreen forests at 600-750 metres elevation |
| Researchers | Roshan Upadhaya (RIMT University, Punjab) and Kalesh Sadasivan (Travancore Natural History Society) |
| Published In | Entomon – Journal of the Association for Advancement of Entomology |
| Named After | Zubeen Garg, iconic Assamese singer (passed away September 19, 2025) |
| Specimens Found | Only 2 male specimens – 1 collected, 1 photographed |
Who Discovered This Butterfly – Euthalia zubeengargi?
Two researchers made this remarkable discovery. The first is Roshan Upadhaya, a constable in the Arunachal Pradesh Police who also works as a researcher at RIMT University in Punjab. The second is Kalesh Sadasivan from the Travancore Natural History Society. Their collaboration between a law enforcement officer and a professional naturalist shows that passion for nature can come from any field.
Moreover, Upadhaya’s dual role as a police constable and scientist makes this story even more inspiring. It proves that dedication to science does not require one to work only in a laboratory or university.
What Does This Butterfly – Euthalia zubeengargi – Look Like?
Physical Characteristics
According to Upadhaya, Euthalia zubeengargi belongs to the Euthalia genus, which is widely spread across South and Southeast Asia. The butterfly has earthy brown wings with pale spots. Its distinct wing patterns and internal structures set it apart from all other known species in this genus. These unique features are what scientifically confirm it as a brand-new species.
Behaviour and Habitat
Field observations reveal some interesting facts about this butterfly’s lifestyle. It lives in cool, shaded interiors of dense forests and usually rests on low vegetation. Furthermore, it feeds on tree sap and extracts minerals from streams — a behaviour called mud-puddling, common in many butterfly species.
The butterfly is active from late morning to early afternoon. During this time, it makes short, slow flights. Researchers note that dense, moist undergrowth is absolutely essential for its survival. However, details about its life cycle, breeding habits, and host plants remain unknown and require further study.
Important: Only two male specimens were recorded — one collected and one photographed — indicating that this species may be rare or highly localised.
Why Is Northeast India So Rich in Butterflies?
This discovery adds to the growing list of butterfly species found in the Northeast. In fact, it brings the total number of Euthalia species recorded in Northeast India to over 80. This figure powerfully underscores the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Northeast India sits at the confluence of the Indo-Malayan and Palearctic biogeographic zones. As a result, it supports an unusually high diversity of flora and fauna. Additionally, the region contains vast stretches of evergreen and semi-evergreen forests that provide ideal conditions for rare and endemic species.
The Connection to Zubeen Garg — Cultural and Ecological Tribute
Zubeen Garg was one of Assam’s most celebrated cultural figures — a singer, composer, and actor whose music touched millions of hearts across Northeast India and beyond. He passed away on September 19, 2025, leaving behind an irreplaceable legacy.
By naming this rare butterfly after him, the researchers paid a beautiful tribute to his memory. This practice of naming newly discovered species after distinguished personalities is a long-standing scientific tradition.
Consequently, the name Euthalia zubeengargi now permanently links Zubeen Garg’s legacy to the scientific record of India’s biodiversity.
Key Scientific Terms You Must Know for UPSC and APSC
What is the Euthalia Genus?
The Euthalia genus is a group of butterflies belonging to the family Nymphalidae. These butterflies are widespread across South Asia and Southeast Asia. They typically have broad, angular wings with earthy tones and live in forested environments. Over 80 species of this genus live in Northeast India alone, making the region one of the most important areas for this group worldwide.
What is the Journal Entomon?
Entomon is the official journal of the Association for Advancement of Entomology. It publishes peer-reviewed research on insects. When scientists describe a new insect species, they publish the description in such journals to make the discovery part of the official scientific record.
What is Mud-Puddling?
Mud-puddling refers to the behaviour of butterflies and some other insects of gathering on wet soil, dung, or streams to extract minerals and salts. Since Euthalia zubeengargi extracts minerals from streams, it displays this behaviour, which is an important ecological adaptation.
Conclusion:
The discovery of Euthalia zubeengargi in Arunachal Pradesh’s Leparada district is a landmark event for India’s biodiversity. First and foremost, it confirms that Northeast India’s forests still hold many undiscovered species. Additionally, the naming of this butterfly after Zubeen Garg highlights the rich cultural-ecological connection between people and nature in this region.
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FAQ:
1. What is Euthalia zubeengargi and why is it important?
Euthalia zubeengargi is a newly discovered butterfly species found in Arunachal Pradesh. It is important because it highlights the rich biodiversity of Northeast India and adds to India’s scientific records.
2. Where was Euthalia zubeengargi discovered?
Scientists discovered Euthalia zubeengargi in the Leparada district of Arunachal Pradesh during field surveys in semi-evergreen forests. Therefore, this region continues to be a key biodiversity hotspot in India.
3. Why is the butterfly named after Zubeen Garg?
Researchers named the butterfly after Zubeen Garg to honour his contribution to Assamese culture. Moreover, naming species after notable personalities is a common scientific tradition.
4. What are the key features of Euthalia zubeengargi?
The butterfly has earthy brown wings with pale spots and unique wing patterns. In addition, it lives in dense forest habitats and shows behaviours like mud-puddling.
5. Why is Northeast India important for butterfly diversity?
Northeast India is important because it lies between major biogeographic zones and has rich forest ecosystems. Therefore, it supports a high number of butterfly species, including rare and newly discovered ones.
