[ Prem Chetry ]

BOMDILA, 24 Sep: In its effort to monitor the seasonal arrival of butterflies, the Kameng Natural Heritage (KNH) here in West Kameng district recorded the rice swift (Borbo cinnara), a skipper butterfly, on Wednesday.

"Bomdila, situated at an elevation of 8,500 feet, presents challenging weather conditions for butterfly sightings. Despite this, the notable sighting has raised anticipation among butterfly enthusiasts for more exciting sightings ahead," the KNH said.

It said that clear weather is one of the prerequisite conditions for butterfly sightings. This season, the number of sunny days has been comparatively lower than in the previous year.

Butterflies are generally more active and easier to observe during clear, sunny periods. The limited availability of such conditions can therefore make butterfly monitoring and sightings more challenging.

Rice swift belongs to the family Hesperiidae, commonly known as skipper butterflies. Skippers are generally small- to medium-sized butterflies recognised for their rapid, darting flight. Their wings often bear brown, orange or yellow markings, although their appearance and resting posture vary among species.

"This season, along with other visitors, orange punch was also recorded," the KNH added. It also observed that the number of Ludlow's Bhutan glory (Bhutanitis ludlowi) was somewhat lower this year. The species belongs to the swallowtail family (Papilionidae) and is associated with the eastern Himalayan region.

Cautioning against introducing invasive alien plants, the KNH urged the people to plant more native flowering plants, which can provide additional nectar sources for adult butterflies.

The organisation also cautioned that indiscriminate use of pesticides and herbicides can harm butterflies and other insects, while the removal of host plants can affect their breeding habitats.

The KNH urged the residents to shoulder the responsibility of conserving Bomdila's vegetation and natural habitats and create a landscape that supports the region's diverse Himalayan butterfly species.