Arunachal yields India’s newest butterfly 

The Noble’s Helen recorded from the Namdapha National Park is disappearing from its previously known ranges in Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam 

 A swallowtail butterfly disappearing from its previously known ranges from Myanmar and southern China to Vietnam has been recorded for the first time in India. 

Three butterfly enthusiasts – Atanu Bose, Loren Sonowal and Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi – recorded the “extremely rare” Noble’s Helen (Papilio noblei) from three locations in the Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh between September 2019 and September 2021. 

Their report was published in the latest edition of the Journal of Entomology and Zoology Studies. 

The Noble’s Helen, closest to the Papilio antonio from the Philippines and characterised by a much large dorsal white spot, was once common in the montane forest at moderate elevations in northern Thailand. 

Apart from Thailand, this species of swallowtail butterfly has been reported from Myanmar, Yunnan and Hubai regions of China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. 

“The species has not completely disappeared from Thailand but is now known to be very rare in the ranges it was previously recorded. The recording of Noble’s Helen for the first time in India is encouraging for nature lovers,” Mr. Bose told  The Hindu. 

Butterflies are considered vital indicators representing the state of biodiversity and key ecosystem functions.