First record of Brilliant Flash Rapala melida nicevillei (Swinhoe, 1911) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae: Theclinae) to Meghalaya, India

Authors

  • Suman Bhowmik Lepidoptera Conservation and Research Division, Wild Tripura Foundation, Agartala, Tripura 799007, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4583-1847
  • Atanu Bose Salbari, North Bongaigaon, Bongaigaon, Assam 783380, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6926-5117
  • Jayant Ghanshyam Bhoir 5/A/13 NMM Society, Kalwa, Thane (W), Maharashtra 400605, India.
  • Atanu Bora Department of Zoology, Moran College, Moranhat, Assam 785670, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2746-1670
  • Suraj Das 104 Spandan Building Asdepada, Dombivli East, Maharashtra 421201, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3639-5414
  • Shyamal Kumar Laha Panchratna CHS, Damodar Park, Ghatkopar (West), Maharashtra 400086, India.
  • Ngangom Aomoa Department of Physics, Assam Don Bosco University, Assam 782402, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.6490.15.3.22905-22907

Keywords:

Rapala melida, Meghalaya, first record, North-East India, Lycaenidae

Abstract

Brilliant Flash Rapala melida nicevillei belonging to the family Lycaenidae is reported for the first time from Meghalaya, northeastern India. Its description, illustration, distribution, and habitat notes are provided. The taxonomic identity of the species is discussed and compared with the most similar species, Rapala varuna. This observation presents the first photograph of the live specimen from India.

References

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Swinhoe, C. (1896). New species of Lepidoptera from Khasia Hills. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, including Zoology, Botany, and Geology 17(6): 357–363.

Swinhoe, C. (1911–1912). In: Moore. Lepidoptera Indica. vol. IX. Rhopalocera, Family Lycaenidae. 9: 1–144, 1911; 145–278, 1912. L. Reeve & Co., London.

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Published

26-03-2023 — Updated on 26-03-2023

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Issue

Vol. 15 No. 3 (2023)

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Copyright (c) 2023 Suman Bhowmik, Atanu Bose, Jayant Ghanshyam Bhoir, Atanu Bora, Suraj Das, Shyamal Kumar Laha, Ngangom Aomoa

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