Understanding life cycle and identification of larval host plant of lesser-known butterfly Truncate Imperial Cheritrella truncipennis from Sikkim Himalaya, India

• Published in: Journal of Asia-Pacific entomology Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 102342 - 6
• Main Authors: Lepcha, Dorjee Tshering, Dewan, Sailendra, Chettri, Iswar Kumar, Acharya, Bhoj Kumar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2024; 한국응용곤충학회
• Subjects: adulthood; adults; biodiversity; butterflies; Butterfly; conservation programs; Eclosion; entomology; Himalayan region; host plants; in situ conservation; India; larvae; Life cycle; life history; Oviposition; Smilax; Smilax lanceifolia; survival rate; Truncate Imperial; 농학; Himalayan region; India; Eclosion; Life cycle; Oviposition; Butterfly; Truncate Imperial; Smilax lanceifolia
• ISSN: 1226-8615; 1876-7790
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aspen.2024.102342

[Display omitted] •Lifecycles: Most of the Himalayan butterflies are unknown.•Truncate Imperial: Protected, Rare, and Schedule II (WPA, 1972) species.•New larval host identified: Smilax lanceifolia.•Complete metamorphosis documented: 68 days.•Findings: Aids in the conservation of rare Himalayan butterflies. The North-East Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent is enriched with high butterfly diversity. However, information on life history and larval host plants is still scanty for the majority of the butterflies in the region. Here we provide a detailed account of the life history of the lesser-known butterfly Truncate Imperial (Cheritrella truncipennis) from Upper-Hathidunga, Gyalshing District, Sikkim, a north-eastern state of India and part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. We also provide a first account of its larval host plant Smilax lanceifolia. We conducted regular field visits in the study area to observe adult butterflies and locate the ovipositing sites. Subsequently, rearing of eggs and larva to their adulthood stage was conducted in the captive condition. The butterfly took 68 days to complete its entire life cycle (eggs to eclosion). The high survival rate of larvae indicates that captive breeding may be an alternative strategy for the conservation of Truncate Imperial. The study provides valuable information that may be required for detailed ecological studies and formulating regional conservation program. However, ex-situ efforts alone may not replicate the survival strategies needed in the wild (as natural habitats experiences various threats) and should only complement in-situ conservation approaches.