New Butterfly Species Named After Zubeen Garg

 Itanagar, March 29: In a remarkable blend of science and culture, a newly discovered butterfly species from Arunachal Pradesh has been named after celebrated Assamese singer Zubeen Garg. This discovery not only highlights the region’s extraordinary biodiversity but also honours a cultural icon whose influence shaped the identity of Assam and the Northeast.

The species, scientifically classified as Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, was recorded from the Basar region of the Leparada district. It was discovered by butterfly enthusiast and policeman Roshan Upadhaya, along with researcher Kalesh Sadasivan, during field studies in the forested landscapes of Basar. Researchers later confirmed that the species had previously gone undocumented and proposed the common name “Basar Duke,” linking it to its place of discovery.

The butterfly is believed to be extremely rare, with only two individuals recorded despite extensive surveys. It inhabits semi-evergreen forests at elevations of around 600–700 metres, typically found in shaded understories. Observations suggest it moves slowly through foliage, feeding on tree sap and deriving minerals from moist forest surfaces.