Pattampoochi Butterfly Magazine - Wings 3 Veins 2 2019

2019 Quarterly Magazine of The Nature and Butterfly Society Apr-Jun 2019

PATTAMPOOCHI

Q2

Recommendation of Papilio crino as State Butterfly My best butterfly moment 2018 Birds & Butterfly Survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Participation in Munnar WLS Butterfly Sanctuary IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist Endemic Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist In News From the Facebook Pages

White Orange-tip, Ixias marianne

PATTAMPOOCHI

Dear Butterfly Lovers, வணக்கம் [Greetings].

The period between January and March is usually a dry period for the butterflies as the climate is also not supporting them during this time of year. This year too the quarter saw a cold and dry weather in January followed by hot weather in February and March. The South of Tamil Nadu and some other parts saw some rain, but not good enough to create any outburst of butterfly population.

This issue has some interesting information to share with you all. First among them are our recommendation to the state for a state butterfly icon, which we think the beautiful Common Banded Peacock deserves a chance with its unique appearance, distribution and easy to recognise and relate.

As is the case with every December last week, 2018 also saw members of our online Facebook forum share their unique and best moments of 2018 with all. We have made a collection of them and presented it as a My best Butterfly Moment 2018.

Birds and Butterflies Survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve was conducted during December 2018 and the society wholeheartedly thanks the management of STR for the opportunity to participate and involve in the organisation process. A detailed report is prepared and submitted. A few highlights are shared in this issue.

We have tried to answer and find out how many species from the butterfly checklist of Tamil Nadu find their assessment under IUCN Red List, had their protection status mentioned in the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 schedule status. We also tried to list out and find how many species are endemic to the Western Ghats, South India and Sri Lanka in the appropriate combinations. We urge the readers to verify the correctness of the same before quoting/ using the data.

We hope you enjoy going through this Newsletter and looking forward to your valuable feedback. We believe that the News Letter belongs to every one of us and expect more contribution from all our members going forward . Please write to tamilnadubutterflies@gmail.com

Editorial Team The Nature and Butterfly Society Pattampoochi– A quarterly magazine of The Nature and Butterfly Society Wings 3 Veins 2 Apr–Jun 2019. Issued on 01.04.2019 Issued from Coimbatore, TN For Private Circulation Only. Copy right is with TNBS. Please write to us for getting permission to use any of the contents Editor: A Pavendhan Editorial Team: Balakrishnan R, Gopalakrishnan S, Nishanth CV, Theivaprakasham H , Viswanathan S and Ramanasaran H The Nature and Butterfly Society (259/2018) is registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975

1

Recommendation of Papilio crino as State Butterfly

Butterflies Butterflies are insects in the order of Lepidoptera which also includes the Moths. Butterflies have fascinated one and all from time immemorial. Apart from being a symbol of love and freedom, they play an important role in the nature world. Butterflies are considered indicators of a good and healthy environment system.

Brief Status of Butterflies in Tamil Nadu Geographically, the Western, Southern and the North Western parts of Tamil Nadu are hilly and rich in vegetation. The Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats meet at the Nilgiri hills. The Western Ghats dominate the entire western border with Kerala, effectively blocking much of the rain bearing clouds of the South West monsoon from entering the state. The Eastern parts are fertile Coastal Plains and the Northern parts are a mix of hills and plains. The Central and the South-Central regions are arid plains and receive less rainfall than the other regions (Source: WIKI).

It is quite natural that Tamil Nadu with its varied habitat can house maximum of species that occur in Peninsular India. The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) is aiming and working to systematically collect and record number of butterfly species occurring in the state of Tamil Nadu in various habitats and in various times of the year. Towards this end, systematic data is being collected for more than 7 years now mainly through personal efforts of members through Butterfly walks held in various habitats.

The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) has arrived at the target list of species based on recent Field guides, on-line resources available, direct field observations, research studies conducted in the recent time. It is possible that these lists are impacted as and when more information of them is obtained.

S. No

Family

Target

Validated

1

Papilionidae

19

19

2

Pieridae

32

32

3

Nymphalidae

96

91

4

Riodinidae

2

2

5

Lycaenidae

92

87

6

Hesperiidae

83

80

324

311

Total

The validation process over years as explained earlier has so far brought 311 species to the validation list and with just 13 more species to be properly seen and recorded. The TNBS and its members are confident to bring it to book these species soon. This again confirms rich presence of butterfly species in our state!

Need for a State Butterfly Icon The Government of India and the various states in them have state symbols. Our state of Tamil nadu has the following symbols: Animal- Nilgiri Tahr Bird- Emerald Dove Flower- Gloriosa superba Tree- Palm Tree Purpose of such symbols indicate the importance attached by the state and the people on the need to protect the Animals, Birds, Trees and Plants and the environment they are being part. These symbols are also unique and find place with the people, history, literature and the social well beings.

Butterflies, being the greatest and important indicator of the environment, apart from being ecologically important and a pleasing sight to everyone, should have a state symbol in our opinion.

Three of the states in peninsular India, Maharashtra Karnataka and Kerala have already declared state butterflies and they are Blue Mormon, Southern Birdwing and Malabar Banded Peacock (all from Swallowtail family) respectively.

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1

Recommendation of Papilio crino as State Butterfly

Our Recommendation The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) takes great joy and pride, with the thought of a state symbol. The Society members are already excited with such possibility for our state and informally suggestions are pouring in already.

We wish the identification process should consider the following criteria in choosing one. They are Regional significance, distribution, aesthetic appeal and special significance and all in relation to our state. We have already prepared a template for these and a sample is attached herewith.

We recommend

Common Banded Peacock,

a

species from Papilionidae family as our state butterfly symbol and the detailed justification is given below:

Justification Details Scientific Name: Papilio crino Common Name: Common Banded Peacock Species Authority: Fabricius, 1793 Family: Papilionidae Species Description: A medium-sized swallowtail is more widespread and inhabits both wet and dry habitats and found in all elevations.

A lustrous pale green band runs across both the sides of the wings against sparkling dark-green scales and can vary in colour from shades of green to blue. It can also be seen basking lazily, with its dazzling wings open in the early mornings.

Justification for Recommendation: Regional Significance: Although the butterfly has a much wider distribution in India, it is quite common in our state compared to neighbouring states like Kerala and Karnataka (where they are seen in certain pockets). AP state should have a good representation too, but data is lacking.

Special Significance: The butterfly is truly at home both in Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats, which is special to our state and not so abundant status in other neighbouring states makes its unique.

Distribution: The butterfly is seen in the entire stretch of Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of our state as it is primarily a forest insect (where its food plant Satinwood tree grows). The plains and the coastal areas are also witnessing its presence in many areas and since certain districts are not yet fully explored from the butterfly front, the species distribution and presence in those districts are not unknown).

Aesthetic Appeal: The butterfly is beautiful while flying past, a flash of green to blue band depending on the angle at which we look at it as they are heavily dusted with green scales with a green tipped tail. The beauty of the species is much better experienced than described.

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2

My Best Butterfly Moment 2018

#Mybestbutterflymoment2018 The Tamil Nadu Butterflies FB Forum ran a “Mybestbutterflymoment� for the 4th consecutive year in running. The idea is to recollect the best moment an individual can remember and share with all members as a way of saying good bye to the year end. All in all, 15 responses were there and it was quite interesting to go through all of them. And we have reproduced the same here for everyone to go through!

Sathya K Selvam

What else to say, Ypthima singala sighting happened to be the best this year. As everyone posting their best butterfly moments I waited for the STR birds and butterfly survey to finish, and eventually it has been my best. Till the conclusion event I don't even know that I've captured a rare one then again confirmed with Pavendhan sir. There are many of my other first time sightings happened in STR. Thanks to everyone.

Bhanu Mathi Dear Friends, It was a difficult task to select my best butterfly moment of 2018 as all the moments were wonderful and best as I covered many locations from Bhutan to Assam, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry. Added many lifers and rarities to my kitty this year (2018). Sharing these 8 pictures from different locations.

Thanks for all your warmth, appreciation and wonderful responses.

Rama Neelamegam This year I haven't done too bad in increasing my life list albeit in my home turf IIT and in and around Chennai. Got all the tips (SOT, GOT, POT, YOT COT, WOT), slate flash, tricoloured flat, large salmon arab, common banded peacock! As much as it is fun spotting butterflies alone its also fun doing it with like minded people.

Have had great moments butterflying with Bhanu Mathi mam and Vikas who both have always injected into me the extra endorphins with their energies, enthusiasm and encouragement to

keep my love for butterflies from dropping! Second best thing apart from increasing your life list is helping some one increase theirs or showing them a much eluding butterfly! Was indeed a great pleasure showing Hema and Smitha Black Rajah in IIT-M. As always it was wonderful travestying this journey along with wonderful members of TNBS and looking for many more!

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2

My Best Butterfly Moment 2018

Vishvajit kadam Nectaring Tigers!!!

While taking a walk around the lake in our campus as a regular habit but this time I was so lucky to come across this.

Ramanasaran Hari Successfully completed my 50th lifecycle

A Pavendhan Although the theme suggests picking a single moment, I could only collage a few that is close to my heart this year, from being part of magazine team (which adds to the documentary knowledge of the state butterflies), to doing dissemination of knowledge to general public, tribal tour guides and future forest officers to be part of some wonderful trips to beautiful pristine lands in Western Ghats (in the company of wonderful friends) to being part in conducting couple of surveys in KWLS and STR (thanks to the Forest Department) to going again to the Northeast for yet another wonderful Butterfly meet to being part of Munnar Survey where I struck gold with Sinhalese Five-ring and Silver Forget-me-not. Thanks to my constant companions, friends and the wonderful TNBS team for all these unforgettable memories.

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My Best Butterfly Moment 2018 Amol Mande April 2018, Kodaikanal Bird & Butterfly Survey, Berijam Lake. Last Kodaikanal Bird & Butterfly Survey I was the part of team in Devadhanapatti. So this time I requested Pavendhan Sir to allot me area on the hill and he included me in team at Berijam lake. I have been to Kodaikanal 8-9 times and always heard about the Berijam Lake but never had opportunity to visit this beautiful place. We reached Berijam Lake, Forest Guest house by around 10 pm. On the way we were praying to see Tiger but couldn't see any although we seen few Indian Gaurs.

It was such a beautiful sight of the lake slightly visible in moon light. Morning when we wake up, it was so serene and beautiful there. It was once in a lifetime experience for me.

Unfortunately we couldn't see anything special in bird and butterfly but it was one of the best moments of my life.

And i will recommend that please try to stay there at guest house, its located at such a awesome place. Thank you once again Pavendhan Appavu Sir for the opportunity.

February 2018, TNHS Munnar Survey.

I went with lot of expectations to see many lifers but to my bad luck it was too cold and hardly few butterfly were there. Our survey will start by 7 am but due to cold there wont be any butterfly till 9-9-30 am. Every small yellow colour butterfly was Nilgiri Clouded Yellow. Every Tiger was Nilgiri Tiger such was the abundance of these species. There were quite few Palni Fritillary, Red Admiral etc. So one day while returning from the survey with not much birds and butterflies, we were just few meters from our staying place. Suddenly we saw something just seated on the nearby bush. When I tried to click I couldn't recognise it because it was a new species for me and I have never seen it before. Somehow mange to get record shot before it fly away.

And that was the Indian Awlking.

Madhan Kumar They say the best thing about life is the journey.

In 2016, I mistakenly ID'ed the common imperial as fluffy tit. Then someone corrected and showed me the real deal.

This year in search of the fluffy tit, I've discovered so many gardens of Eden and I'm thankful for the wonderful journey!

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My Best Butterfly Moment 2018

Darshan M Trivedi My Best Butterfly Moment of 2018 is 20-05-2018 , Kallar Visit with our Beloved Butterfly Baba (Pavendhan Sir). Great Number of Lime Butterflies and several Lifer in a day was reaslly a great treat.

TNBS Team met at Mettupalayam and reached at Kallar near 9 AM. Area is full of Beautiful and attractive Lime Butterflies outside the Garden in a scattered manner. But after entering in to the garden, It is fest/gala for Lime community. Great Day to have great company and pics.

Madhan Kumar We used to visit நீர் காத்த அய்யனார் ககாவில் frequently when I was in school. Logging the forest for firewood was common and when I started photography, didn't bother visiting it thinking it is still a degraded forest. But boy was I wrong? Couldn't have been happier about being wrong!!

Gopal Krishnan Mass mudpuddling congregation. May 18 .Bhavani river bank

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My Best Butterfly Moment 2018

Prakash Gururajan As many of the TNBS members know I am not an avid butterfly watcher but sometimes the luck comes in our favour. One such incident is: During my usual birdwatching trip to Singanallur Lake I spotted a Pierrot Butterfly along with my clans which I thought it is a Common Pierrot but I am really surprised to hear from Pavendhan Appavu sir it is a rare one "Black-spotted Pierrot". That made my day and of course my year! Happy to get associated with #TNBS.

Vishvajit Kadam Soldiers in yellow! The river bank was flooded by them!

January 2018

Vishwa Nathan The best and unforgettable trip in May 2018 to Valparai.

Many Lifers and first time photographic records. Dark Pierrot, Fluffy tit, Chestnut Angle, Paris Peacock, Tawny Rajah, Mime, Coon, Five bar sword tail and so on... with Bala Krishnan CV Nishanth

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My Best Butterfly Moment 2018 Sravan Kumar Orchid Tit, Theni dt. Early this year.

The best walk still fresh in my memories. Lot of surprises and lifers. I would say it's a paradise for butterflying. After a tiring overnight drive we Started early at 6 am in search of orange awl, the place bags species at will, as the drizzle interrupted and fearing flash flood, we decided to call it a day by 3 pm.

Else we would have created a record of 24 hrs non stop butterflying, who knows. Happy butterflying friends.

Nishanth CV My best butterfly moments was seeing the migration and mud puddling of butterflies in huge numbers at Kallar. Kallar is a place with many surprises. The day to remember for ever.

Mithun Kumar Butterfly Season (October& Name: Common Leopard

November)

begins

in

India

Theivaprakasham Hari 16 January 2018, Siruvani, Coimbatore.

What a wonderful day it was!! The butterfly walk with Ramanasaran H, Geethanjali Raghunathan and Monika Gandhi spotting 102 species of butterflies just within a span of 6 hours even during the dull butterfly period of the year. Adding to our surprise, the rare sighting of Painted Courtesan, Tree Flitter, Gaudy Baron, Lesser Albatross, Grey Count, Black Prince and Malabar Rose built much happiness. This trip to Siruvani is one of my best butterfly moments of the year 2018.

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3

Birds & Butterflies Survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located in the strategic confluence region of Western and Eastern Ghats. An area of 1,40,924 ha is declared as Tiger Reserve on 15.03.2013 from erstwhile Wild Life Sanctuary with an area of 1,41,161 ha. It comprises of 2 divisions; Sathyamangalam and Hasanur with District headquarters at Erode.

This area holds a significant population of tiger, and it is also contiguous to other Tiger conservation landscapes like BRT, Bandipur, Mudumalai and Nagarahole.

The region is also a part of Nilgiri-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve and is an abode to about 800 to 1000 Elephants as per Synchronised Elephant Census conducted during 2012.The Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is the confluence of two distinct geographical regions of bio diversity landscape; Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats.

The diversity of habitat has got an assemblage of several species of rare plants, animals, birds, invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, and reptiles.

Source: Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve website

Birds and Butterflies are indicators of healthy environment and eco- system. The state of Tamil Nadu, which comprises varied habitats, has an estimated 509 bird species and 324 butterfly target species. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve which falls under Erode District is home to about 330 birds and about 200 butterflies.

In this regard and in order to assess the occurrence of Birds and Butterflies in the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, the CCF &FD of STR, Dr. V. Naganathan IFS had directed to conduct a survey on birds and butterflies. Accordingly, 29-30, December 2018 were chosen as the survey period and planning the exercise started immediately. Mr. P.G. Arun Lal, IFS, District Forest Officer & Deputy Director, Sathyamangalam Division, STR, Mr. Kumili Venkata Appala Naidu, DFO, Hasanur Division had guided in the execution of the survey which was coordinated to the micro level by Mr. C Sakthivel, Biologist, STR and Dr Kannan, Biologist, Erode FD and the members of Tamil Nadu Butterfly Society (now registered as The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS)) who were the coordinators for this exercise along with the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. This is a first ever combined exercise assume a greater significance as the exercise will help get a baseline data of birds and butterflies and will be instrumental for the conservation of these along with the eco-system, they were part of.

Naturalists based on their birding and butterfly expertise were drafted in for the survey and 77 naturalists were assigned to 15 different camps. Each team consisted of birders and butterfly enthusiasts. Science faculties and students were also part of a few teams. The 15 camps were selected across 7 ranges of the STR. Necessary instructions and guidelines were prepared and sent to individual teams well in advance. Teams were asked to follow a structured morning walk covering minimum of 35 Km and in the afternoon a free walk. The results were recorded in the data sheet and all supporting information such as GPS reading, climate, habitat and altitude were noted down. Other observations were also noted down such as mammal sighting, etc. The first day of the survey was cloudy as reported from most camps and some camps have reported misty condition. The second day was better with respect to climate as the day was sunny. Data with respect to each day were filled and then a consolidated data of birds and butterflies were done camp wise.

All the teams assembled for the conclusion meeting at Bannari, where the data from all 15 Teams were consolidated and analyzed.

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Birds & Butterflies Survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

Results & Analysis (only Butterflies) Among the total number of

150 butterflies recorded, 11 belong to Swallowtails (Papilionidae), 21 belong to the Whites and yellows (Pieridae), 50 belong to the Nymphalidae family, 45 belongs to blues and judies (Lycaenidae and Riodinidae) and 23 to the Skippers (Hesperiidae).

Butterflies such as White Four-ring, Common Jezebel, Roses, Pansies, Orange-tips are seen dominating in all ranges of the forest division during survey. The dominant families are Nymphalidae followed by Lycaenidae. For the habitat surveyed, Pieridae species in proportion were well represented. Papilionidae and Hesperiidae species were not represented to the expectation. Among Swallowtails, Common Roses and Crimson Roses are very prominent in all places, while most other species within this family was less in number. Common Banded Peacock, Red Helen and Blue Mormon were the species to note while Common Mormon, Lime Butterflies and Jays and Bluebottles were not prominent although present.

Significant landmass of the STR is a scrub jungle which could well explain the reason why the Pierids were seen in large numbers in all camps. Common Jezebel is well thriving and is seen in almost all season while Emigrants have an off-season with just a few representations. The Orange-tips and Arabs were represented by all that is possible with White and Yellow Orange-tips are the most dominant. Gulls and Pioneers too are visibly seen, while others such as Psyche, Wanderers and Albatrosses too are seen in less numbers. The Dark Wanderer has not occurred in any of the camps. Nymphalidae were the family found in maximum species count. Except a few places where Blue Tigers and Crows were seen in congregation, the Danainae subfamily was surprisingly absent in many ranges in good numbers, which indicate that the post-migration congregation could well be much away from STR. Pansies, especially Lemon and Chocolate and other pansies except the Grey Pansy were sighted across the reserve in good numbers. However, the most dominating species across all ranges should go to the White Four-ring, which is easy seen in thousands, indicating their host plants (grasses) and their habitat is intact.

A rare Ypthima singala (Sinhalese Five-ring), from Nymphalidae family, was reported from Thengumarahatta, Thalamalai, Dimbum and Basavanapuram. This is just a second sighting from the state and augers well for the species as STR is already a reserved forest; however, a detailed study on the species is to be made to ensure that the species is well protected. Other notable species include Blue Oakleaf, Blue Admiral, Commander, Nawabs and Baronet.

Blues (Lycaenidae) were the second dominant family by no of species recorded and species such as Oriental Grass Jewels, Grass Blues, Pea Blues, Zebra Blues, Cupids, Pierrots, Royals and Flashes. Species of importance include Monkey Puzzle, Cornelian, Redspot, Yamfly and Guava Blue.

Skippers, although has a significant share on the state checklist, they are always found less in numbers due to their crepuscular nature and added to this, the first day of survey was cloudy making the sighting very less compared to other families in proportion. Significant sightings include Golden Angle, Common Spotted Flat, Malabar Spotted Flat and Tricolored Pied Flat.

The species count of 150 is very significant and healthy for a December month and we believe when the months of June, Oct and Nov are surveyed, will show the full potential of STR. Acknowledgement We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to the CCF & FD, Dr. V. Naganathan, IFS, STR for his permission, guidance and direction and to Mr. P.G. Arun Lal, IFS, District Forest Officer & Deputy Director, Sathyamangalam Division, STR for the planning and directions to the execution. Our thanks are also due to Mr. Kumili Venkata Appala Naidu, DFO, Hasanur Division for his guidance. Our sincere thanks are also due to all the Forest Range Officers of 7 Ranges, for the range level coordination and execution and deputing personal to accompany the survey team. This study is incomplete without the micro level planning, co-ordination and help by the Biologist, Mr. C. Sakthivel, STR and Dr. Kannan, Biologist, Erode FD. Our sincere thanks to them too. The field level staff, who accompanied the teams took meticulous care in the execution of the study and provided all logical support including food. Our sincere thanks to all of them.

We thank all TNBS members who helped in the planning and execution and they are Mr. Pavendhan A, Mr. Gopalakrishnan S, Mr. Prakash Loganathan, Mr. Viswanathan S, Mr. Theivaprakasham H, Mr. Balakrishnan R, Mr. CV Nishanth and Mr. Ramanasaran H. We thank all the 77 participants from the state of TN (from The Nilgiris, Chennai, Erode, Salem, Madurai, Trichy, Rajapalayam, Coimbatore, etc.) and from Kerala, Karnataka, Pondicherry, Maharashtra and West Bengal.

Narration : Pavendhan A Pictures credit: Survey Participants PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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Sinhalese Five-ring, Ypthima singalese

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Participation in Munnar WLS Birds & Butterfly Survey

Munnar Wildlife Division, Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department in association with TNHS (Travancore Natural History Society) conducted a Birds, Butterflies and Odonates Survey, during the month of Dec 2018. This was a four day exercise. A few members of TNBS including A Pavendhan and CV Nishanth participated the survey. Our sincere thanks to Munnar WLD, Kerala Forests & Wildlife Department and , especially to Dr Kalesh Sadasivan.

It was September 2015, when we were part of this survey at Munnar and we were at Pampadum shola, a higher elevation camp where we were able to spot species like Indian Red Admiral, Palni Bushbrown, Nilgiri Clouded Yellow, Black Prince, Evershed’s Ace, etc. Hence, this time around, we requested to be at one of the lower elevation camps and hence we were allotted Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary. This is situated on the border of TN-KL and on the highways between Udumalpet and Munnar. The place of our survey scope was scrub jungle and riparian.

There were two interesting sightings from the camp and both of them– Ypthima singala and Catochrysops panormus– were sighted by A Pavendhan. Silver Forget-me-not (Catochrysops panormus) was sighted from river bank among mud-puddling individuals and this was a long suspected species to occur but for want of photographic evidence was not confirmed. This is the first photographic evidence for the state of Kerala.

Silver Forget-me-not, Catochrysops panormus

Ypthima singala, Sinhalese Five-ring or Jewel Four-ring is a species occurring in South India and Sri Lanka. The first photographic evidence for the South India was from August 2015 from Vellimalai, Theni District.

During the survey, one specimen from this species was again spotted by A Pavendhan sitting on a small plant basking on the evening light. The place was a small grassy patch and the host plant for the same is one of the grass species.

In total, there were 88 species sighted from our camp and an interesting observation was a fairly large colony of Red Pierrot.

The Hindu, Edition. Dec 2018

Narration : Pavendhan A Pictures credit: Pavendhan A PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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5

IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist

IUCN Red List Established in 1964, the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species has evolved to become the world’s most comprehensive information source on the global conservation status of animal, fungi and plant species.

The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Far more than a list of species and their status, it is a powerful tool to inform and catalyze action for biodiversity conservation and policy change, critical to protecting the natural resources we need to survive. It provides information about range, population size, habitat and ecology, use and/or trade, threats, and conservation actions that will help inform necessary conservation decisions.

The IUCN Red List is used by government agencies, wildlife departments, conservation-related non-governmental organizations (NGOs), natural resource planners, educational organizations, students, and the business community. The Red List process has become a massive enterprise involving the IUCN Global Species Program staff, partner organizations and experts in the IUCN Species Survival Commission and partner networks who compile the species information to make The IUCN Red List the indispensable product it is today.

To date, many species groups including mammals, amphibians, birds, reef building corals and conifers have been comprehensively assessed. As well as assessing newly recognized species, the IUCN Red List also re-assesses the status of some existing species, sometimes with positive stories to tell. For example, good news such as the downlisting (i.e. improvement) of a number of species on the IUCN Red List categories scale, due to conservation efforts. The bad news, however, is that biodiversity is declining. Currently there are more than 96,500 species on The IUCN Red List, and more than 26,500 are threatened with extinction, including 40% of amphibians, 34% of conifers, 33% of reef building corals, 25% of mammals and 14% of birds.

Despite the high proportions of threatened species, we are working to reverse, or at least halt, the decline in biodiversity. Increased assessments will help to build The IUCN Red List into a more complete ‘Barometer of Life’. To do this we need to increase the number of species assessed to at least 160,000 by 2020. This will improve the global taxonomic coverage and thus provide a stronger base to enable better conservation and policy decisions. The IUCN Red List is crucial not only for helping to identify those species needing targeted recovery efforts, but also for focusing the conservation agenda by identifying the key sites and habitats that need to be protected. Ultimately, The IUCN Red List helps to guide and inform future conservation and funding priorities.

(Source & reproduced from IUCN website: https://www.iucnredlist.org/about/background-history) Butterflies– IUCN Status Recent works (September 2016) on Mediterranean region shows that there are 462 butterflies native to the Mediterranean region and an assessment published by IUCN reveals that 19 butterfly species are threatened with extinction in the region, from which 15 are endemics. The report shows that the most serious threats to Mediterranean butterflies are the conversion of grasslands into agricultural land for arable farming or forestry, unsustainable levels of grazing as well as abandonment of traditional cultural practices. Other significant threats are climate change, the increase frequency and intensity of fires and the development of tourism. (Source: IUCN News) In India, however, hardly 5% of the species are evaluated and rest of the species are yet to be assessed for their status.

IUCN Assessment Structure of the categories

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IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist

The following 9 species find their status evaluated in the IUCN Red List from the checklist of butterflies available in Tamil Nadu.

S. No Species

Common Name

IUCN Red List Catego- Population trend ry at the Global level

Assessment Date

1

Eurema andersoni

One-spot Grass Yellow

Least Concern

Stable

14.02.2009

2

Eurema brigitta

Small Grass Yellow

Least Concern

Stable

01.01.2008

3

Parantica nilgiriensis

Nilgiri Tiger

Near Threatened

Unspecified

01.08.1996

4

Euploea core

Common Crow

Least Concern

Unknown

06.03.2009

5

Idea malabarica

Malabar Tree Nymph

Near Threatened

Unspecified

01.08.1996

6

Junonia almana

Peacock Pansy

Least Concern

Stable

21.02.2009

7

Caleta decidia

Angled Pierrot

Least Concern

Stable

01.03.2009

8

Arhopala bazaloides

Tamil Oakblue

Least Concern

Unknown

01.03.2009

9

Cheritra freja

Common Imperial

Least Concern

Unknown

20.10.2008

Common Crow Common Imperial Nilgiri Tiger

Malabar Tree Nymph

Angled Pierrot

Peacock Pansy

Small Grass Yellow

One-spot Grass Yellow

There are however more butterflies assessed from the list of Tamil Nadu, but they are not at the Global level but on the Regional level like European and Mediterranean. This include Plain Tiger, Common Three-ring, Painted Lady, Yellow Pansy, Pea Blue, Black-spotted Pierrot (Tarucus balkanicus), Bright Babul Blue and Grass Jewel. We hope all the endemic species of Western Ghats and Peninsular India are at least assessed soon for their status which may help in the conservation of these and other needy declining species in population.

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5

IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist

Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 is an Act of the Parliament of India enacted for protection of plants and animal species. The Act provides for the protection of wild animals, birds and plants; and for matters connected therewith or ancillary or incidental thereto. It extends to the whole of India, except the State of Jammu and Kashmir which has its own wildlife act. It has six schedules which give varying degrees of protection. Schedule I and part II of Schedule II provide absolute protection - offences under these are prescribed the highest penalties.

Species listed in Schedule III and Schedule IV are also protected, but the penalties are much lower. Schedule V includes the animals which may be hunted. The specified endemic plants in Schedule VI are prohibited from cultivation and planting. The hunting to the Enforcement authorities have the power to compound offences under this Schedule (i.e. they impose fines on the offenders).

The code has been amended several times and the 2002 Amendment punishment and penalty for offences under the Act more stringent.

act have made

By Defined by the Indian government as national emblem - www.mha.nic.in, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/ w/index.php?curid=665228

(Source: Wiki) Butterflies

A most recent estimate puts the number of butterflies species in India to 1318. The WPA 1972 protects 453 species (and subspecies level for significant species) of butterflies. Out of the six schedules available, butterflies are covered under only 3 schedules (Schedule Part I (Part IV), Schedule Part II (Part II) and Schedule IV). No of species covered under Schedule I is 127, Schedule II is 306 and Schedule IV is 20.

Out of the 324 species listed for the state of Tamil Nadu, Family Sch I (Part IV) Sch II (Part II) Sch IV 59 species and sub-species are covered under WPA, 3 1 1972. The break up of the same family wise and Papilionidae Pieridae 4 2 schedule wise can be seen in the table provided.

Nymphalidae 1 16 3 If we carefully go through the species list, we could Lycaenidae 2 18 1 sense that there are many species which definitely need a consideration under the schedules, but are not cov- Riodinidae ered especially species of endemic and rarity in nature. Hesperiidae Hopefully, a revision on the same is done soon!

4 43

6

Total 4 6 20 21 0

5 11

9 60

The following 60 species have been covered under schedules from the checklist of butterflies available in Tamil Nadu.

S. No Species

Common Name

Sub-species occurring Sub-species menin TN tioned in WPA, 1972

Schedule under WPA, 1972

1

Pachliopta hector

Crimson Rose

-

-

Sch I (Part IV)

2

Papilio clytia

Common Mime

clytia

clytia

Sch I (Part IV)

3

Papilio liomedon

Malabar Banded Swallowtail

-

-

Sch I (Part IV)

4

Papilio buddha

Malabar Banded Peacock

-

Sch II (Part II)

5

Appias libythea

Striped Albatross/ Western Striped Albatross

-

-

Sch IV

6

Appias lyncida

Chocolate Albatross

latifasciata

latifasciata

Sch II (Part II)

7

Appias wardii

Lesser Albatross

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

8

Appias indra

Plain Puffin

shiva

shiva

Sch II (Part II) PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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5 S. No Species

IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist Common Name

Sub-species occurring Sub-species menin TN tioned in WPA, 1972

Schedule under WPA, 1972

Lesser Gull

remba

remba

Sch II (Part II)

10 Prioneris sita

Painted Sawtooth

-

-

Sch IV

11 Euploea klugii

Brown King Crow/ King Crow

kollari

-

Sch IV

12 Euploea core

Common Crow

core

-

Sch IV

13 Polyura schreiber/ Charaxes screiber

Blue Nawab

wardii

wardii

Sch 1(Part IV)

14 Discophora lepida

Southern Duffer

lepida

lepida

Sch II (Part II)

15 Melanitis zitenius

Great Evening Brown

gokala

-

Sch II (Part II)

16 Parantirrhoea marshalli

Travancore Evening Brown

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

17 Mycalesis anaxias

White-bar Bushbrown

anaxias

-

Sch II (Part II)

18 Mycalesis mineus

Dark-brand Bushbrown/ Dark-branded Bushbrown

polydecta

-

Sch II (Part II)

19 Zipaetis saitis

Tamil Catseye/ Banded Catseye

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

20 Phalanta alcippe

Small Leopard

mercea

-

Sch II (Part II)

21 Athyma ranga

Black-vein Sergeant

karwara

-

Sch II (Part II)

22 Neptis (soma) palnica Creamy Sailer/ Palni Sail- palnica er

-

Sch II (Part II)

23 Parthenos sylvia

Clipper

virens

-

Sch II (Part II)

24 Euthalia lubentina

Gaudy Baron

arasada

-

Sch IV

25 Cynitia lepidea/ Tanaecia lepidea

Grey Count

miyana

-

Sch II (Part II)

26 Dophla evelina

Redspot Duke

laudabilis

laudabilis

Sch II (Part II)

27 Euripus consimilis

Painted Courtesan

meridionalis

-

Sch II (Part II)

28 Hypolimnas misippus Danaid Eggfly

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

29 Kallima horsfieldi

Blue Oakleaf

-

horsfieldi

Sch II (Part II)

30 Doleschallia bisaltide

Autumn Leaf

malabarica

malabarica

Sch II (Part II)

31 Spindasis lohita

Long-banded Silverline

lazularia

-

Sch II (Part II)

32 Spindasis elima

Scarce Shot Silverline

elima

elima

Sch II (Part II)

33 Anthene lycaenina

Pointed Ciliate Blue

lycaenina

-

Sch II (Part II)

34 Nacaduba pactolus

Large 4-lineblue

continentalis

-

Sch II (Part II)

35 Prosotas noreia

White-tipped Lineblue

hampsoni

hampsoni

Sch I (Part IV)

36 Ionolyce helicon

Pointed Lineblue

viola

-

Sch II (Part II)

37 Lampides boeticus

Pea Blue

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

9 Cepora nadina

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5 S. No Species

IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist Common Name

Sub-species occurring Sub-species menin TN tioned in WPA, 1972

Schedule under WPA, 1972

38 Tarucus ananda

Dark Pierrot

-

-

Sch IV

39 Acytolepis lilacea

Hampson's Hedge Blue/ Lilac Hedge Blue

lilacea

-

Sch II (Part II)

40 Euchrysops cnejus

Gram Blue

cnejus

-

Sch II (Part II)

41 Arhopala bazaloides

Tamil Oakblue / Dusted Oakblue

bazaloides

-

Sch II (Part II)

42 Thaduka multicauda- Many-tailed Oakblue ta

kanara

kanara

Sch II (Part II)

43 Zinaspa todara

Silver-streaked Acacia Blue

todara

-

Sch II (Part II)

44 Tajuria cippus

Peacock Royal

cippus

cippus

Sch II (Part II)

45 Tajuria melastigma

Branded Royal

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

46 Hypolycaena nilgirica Nilgiri Tit

-

-

Sch II (Part II)

47 Chliaria othona/ Hypolycaena othona

Orchid Tit

othona

-

Sch I (Part IV)

48 Ancema blanka/ sudica

Silver Royal

sudika

-

Sch II (Part II)

49 Horaga onyx

Common Onyx

cingalensis

-

Sch II (Part II)

50 Bindahara moorei

Blue-edged Plane/ Bluebordered Plane

moorei

-

Sch II (Part II)

51 Rapala varuna

Indigo Flash

lazulina

-

Sch II (Part II)

52 Bibasis sena

Orange-tail Awl

-

Sch II (Part II)

53 Hasora vitta

Plain Banded Awl

-

Sch II (Part II)

54 Thoressa honorei

Madras Ace/ Sahyadri Orange Ace

-

-

Sch IV

55 Halpe hindu

South Indian Ace / Sahyadri Banded Ace

hindu

-

Sch II (Part II)

56 Hyarotis adrastus

Tree Flitter

-

-

Sch IV

57 Polytremis lubricans

Contiguous Swift

-

-

Sch IV

58 Baoris farri

Paintbrush Swift/ Complete Paint-brush Swift

-

-

Sch IV

59 Caltoris philippina

Philippine Swift

philippina

-

Sch II (Part II)

60 Oriens concinna

Tamil Dartlet/ Sahyadri Dartlet

-

-

Sch IV

Apart from the 60 from the above list, there are 16 more species which were at sub-species level are listed under schedules and those 17 species do occur in TN, but the sub-species are different. These are Common Albatross, Common Gull, Common Nawab, Black Rajah, Palmking, Bamboo Treebrown, Chestnut-streaked Sailer, Short-banded Sailer, Common Baron, Pale 4lineblue, Tailless Lineblue, Metallic Cerulean, Common Pierrot, Malayan, Kanara/ Rosy Oakblue and Common Tinsel.

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5

IUCN Red List, WPA Schedule Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist

Crimson Rose

Orchid Tit Lesser Gull Nilgiri Tit Tree Flitter

Clipper

Tamil Catseye Many-tailed Oakblue Tamil Dartlet

Plain Puffin

White-bar Bushbrown Redspot Duke Madras Ace

Lesser Albatross

White-tipped Lineblue

Sch I (Part IV) Sch II (Part II) Sch IV

Common Mime

Some of the species from the Scheduled list which find a place in the checklist of Tamil Nadu is given below:

Text: Pavendhan A Pictures credit: Pavendhan A PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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6

Endemic Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist

Endemism The adjective endemic denotes, especially of a plant or animal, the nativity and restriction of the same to a certain place. We always here phrases such as Malabar Banded Peacock is endemic to Western Ghats, etc. This means that the population of such species in nature occurs or restricted only to Western Ghats.

A better definition of Endemism is the ecological state of a species being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, country or other defined zone, or habitat type; organisms that are indigenous to a place are not endemic to it if they are also found elsewhere.

Physical, climatic, and biological factors can contribute to endemism. There are two subcategories of endemism: paleoendemism and neo-endemism. Paleo-endemism refers to species that were formerly widespread but are now restricted to a smaller area. Neo-endemism refers to species that have recently arisen, such as through divergence and reproductive isolation or through hybridization and polyploidy in plants.

Endemic types or species are especially likely to develop on geographically and biologically isolated areas such as islands and remote island groups; they can equally develop in biologically isolated areas such as the highlands, or large bodies of water far from other lakes. Endemics can easily become endangered or extinct if their restricted habitat changes, particularly—but not only—due to human actions, including the introduction of new organisms. (Source: WIKI)

Ficedula nigrorufa, Black and Orange Flycatcher, an endemic bird of Western Ghats

Macaca silenus, Lion-tailed Macaque, an endemic mammal of Western Ghats with IUCN Endangered Status

The state of Tamil Nadu is unique with the presence of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, Plains and the Coastal systems. Butterflies are found in all these areas and the target checklist has about 324 species with bulk of them found their home in the Western Ghats. The land of Tamil Nadu has moist forests, wet forests, dry and scrub forests and vast agriculture tracks. That means the possibility of more endemic species appearing is high.

As we have defined earlier and seen, endemic is specific to a geographical location and we shall try listing out those species which get defined under the classification of Endemic to western Ghats, Peninsular India and Western Ghats & Sri Lanka. There could be an odd error or misjudgement here and readers are expected to apply their own evaluation process before using these data.

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6 S. No Species

Endemic Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist Common Name

Present in Western Present in South Present in Sri Lanka Ghats India

1 Graphium teredon

Southern Bluebottle

X

X

2 Pachliopta pandiyana

Malabar Rose

X

3 Troides minos

Southern Birdwing

X

4 Papilio dravidarum

Malabar Raven

X

5 Papilio liomedon

Malabar Banded Swallowtail

X

6 Papilio buddha

Malabar Banded Peacock

X

7 Eurema nilgiriensis

Nilgiri Grass Yellow

X

8 Colias nilagiriensis

Nilgiri Clouded Yellow

X

9 Pareronia ceylanica

Dark Wanderer

X

10 Appias wardii

Lesser Albatross

X

11 Prioneris sita

Painted Sawtooth

X

12 Libythea laius

Lobed Beak

X

X

13 Parantica nilgiriensis

Nilgiri Tiger

X

X

14 Idea malabarica

Malabar Tree Nymph

X

15 Discophora lepida

Southern Duffer

X

X

X

X

X

X

16 Parantirrhoea marshalli Travancore Evening Brown

X

17 Lethe drypetis

Tamil Treebrown

X

X

X

18 Mycalesis subdita

Tamil Bushbrown

X

X

X

19 Mycalesis patnia

Glad-eye Bushbrown

X

X

X

20 Telinga adolphei

Red-eye Bushbrown

X

21 Telinga oculus

Red-disc Bushbrown

X

22 Telinga davisoni

Palni Bushbrown

X

23 Zipaetis saitis

Tamil Catseye

X

24 Ypthima ypthimoides

Palni Four-ring

X

25 Ypthima chenu

Nilgiri Four-ring

X

X

26 Ypthima singala

Sinhalese Five-ring

X

X

27 Ypthima striata

Striated Five-ring

X

X

28 Cethosia mahratta

Tamil Lacewing

X

29 Argynnis hybrida

Nilgiri Fritillary

X

30 Argynnis castetsi

Palni Fritillary

X

31 Cirrochroa thais

Tamil Yeoman

X

X

X

X

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6 S. No

Species

Endemic Status for Butterflies in the Tamil Nadu Checklist Common Name

Present in Western Ghats

Present in South Present in Sri India Lanka

32 Neptis (soma) palnica

Palni Sailer

X

33 Kallima horsfieldi

Blue Oakleaf

X

34 Curetis siva

Siva Sunbeam

X

35 Spindasis abnormis

Abnormal Silverline

X

36 Celatoxia albidisca

White-disc Hedge Blue

X

37 Arhopala alea

Kanara Oakblue

X

38 Hypolycaena nilgirica

Nilgiri Tit

X

X

39 Bindahara moorei

Blue-bordered Plane

X

X

40 Rapala lankana

Malabar Flash

X

X

41 Baracus subditus

Yellow-stripped Hedge Hopper

X

42 Baracus hampsoni

Hampson's Hedge Hopper

X

43 Halpemorpha hyrtacus / Sovia hyrtacus

Bicolour Ace

X

44 Thoressa honorei

Madras Ace

X

45 Thoressa astigmata

Southern Spotted Ace

X

46 Thoressa sitala

Sitala Ace

X

47 Thoressa evershedi

Evershed's Ace

X

48 Halpe hindu

South Indian Ace

X

49 Arnetta mercara

Coorg Forest Hopper

X

50 Hyarotis microstictum/ Hyarotis coorga

Kodagu Brush Flitter

X

51 Quedara basiflava

Golden Flitter

X

52 Caltoris canaraica

Kanara Swift

X

X

X@

X

X

@ needs further sightings to confirm the presence outside Western Ghats

It could be inferred from the list that there are 30 species which are endemic to Western Ghats landscape. Since some of the species are treated differently (for example some authors consider some sub-species as full species, while some others still keep them at sub-species level), it is quite possible that this number may vary. And also, if some of the species are found out side the Western Ghats in near future, then the numbers could vary too. It is interesting to note some species like Nilgiri Tiger, Nilgiri Four-ring and Palni Bushbrown are not endemic to WG, but are also seen in Yercaud and Sirumalai Hills of Eastern Ghats. There are 7 more species to the 30, which are present in Sri Lanka, will come under the category, endemic to WG & SL and they are Dark Wanderer, Painted Sawtooth, Southern Duffer, Tamil Yeoman, Nilgiri Tit, Plane and Malabar Flash. As informed earlier, readers are advised to verify these facts from their end before using the same!

Text: Pavendhan A Pictures credit: Pavendhan A PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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Common Hedge Blue, Acytolepis puspa

7

In News

WWF School Outreach Program Mr. A Pavendhan of TNBS was a Resource Person to the WWF School outreach program conducted on 23rd January, 2019.

The 40 students were from Corporation School, Kovil medu, Coimbatore and they were taken to Kallar Fruit Garden by WWF, co-ordinated by Mr. Saravanan of WWF. The children were taught about birds and butterflies and they were able to spot 36 species of butterflies.

Calendar for KWLS Second year in running, TNBS has helped in designing table top calendar for Kodaikanal WLS and the theme for the current year is a mixed theme of flora and fauna.

Beautiful Orchids, Mammals, Birds and Butterflies that are unique and rare found its way to decorate the calendar.

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7

In News

Publications from Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu has come out with two publications on the topic, Birds and Butterflies of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve in Tamil and English languages.

The seed for the same was laid during the recent Birds and Butterflies Survey when 150 butterflies and 241 birds were recorded from the Reserve. It is laudable and a great effort from the Reserve to bring these fauna into the attention of everyone which will create awareness among students, naturalists and the commoners towards the protection of these, which are around us.

The book provides a simple and essential introduction on birds and butterflies and pictures of 145 butterflies and 186 birds which will be useful to identify these at ease and will also be useful for front level field staff apart from other targeted audience in identification. The book also discusses ecological role played by birds and insects in brief and lists what common people like us can do our bit in saving them and protecting the environment around us. All targeted 324 butterflies in the Tamil Nadu butterflies checklist have been given Tamil common names in reminiscence to Sangam classical Tamil by a Tamil scholar and the same is included as a section in the Tamil version of the book. TNBS is very proud to be associated with this publication work and thanks STR and its management for the same.

The Publications can be obtained from the Sathyamangalam Tiger Conservation Foundation Trust office from Erode office and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve office from Sathyamangalam. The publications can also be obtained from all 7 range offices and eco-tourism outlets of STR including Sathyamangalam, Bhavani Sagar, TN Palayam, Thalamalai, Hasanur, Germalam and Thalavadi. Priced very affordably at Rs. 100 and Rs. 120 respectively for the English and Tamil Editions, this is a value for money and could benefit everyone!

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8 Despite poor sighting and reporting from Western and Northern part of TN, the Southern part of TN had more than compensated for this with some lovely sightings and postings. It is usually a norm here that we pick one butterfly picture for a contributor so that all contributors are equally honoured. This time around, however, we have allotted a 3 page section in the beginning to honour some special place sightings from Tirunelveli, Virudhunagar and The Nilgiris districts. The recent survey at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve also influenced many postings from the survey by participating members!

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

From the Facebook Pages...

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

Common Imperial by Madhan Kumar

Centaur Oakblue by Manoj Prabagaran K

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

Common Snow Flat by Madhan Kumar

Cruiser by Manoj Prabagaran K

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

Chestnut Angle by Manoj Prabagaran K

Grey Count by Manoj Prabagaran K

Malabar Flash by Manoj Prabagaran K PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

30

8 Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

From the Facebook Pages...

Tamil Lacewing by Manoj Prabagaran K

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

Rounded Six-Lineblue by Manoj Prabagaran K

Tricolour Pied Flat by Manoj Prabagaran K

Courtallam, Tirunelveli Dt

Plain Palm Dart by Manoj Prabagaran K

Southern Spotted Ace by Manoj Prabagaran K

Virudhunagar Dt

Blue Admiral by Manoj Prabagaran K

Redspot Duke by Amol Mande

Nilgiri Tiger by Amol Mande PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

31

8 Tirunelveli Dt

From the Facebook Pages...

Common Banded Demon by Thalavai Pandi

Tirunelveli Dt

Evershed's Ace by Thalavai Pandi

Staff Sergeant by Thalavai Pandi

Tirunelveli Dt

Spot Puffin by Thalavai Pandi

Grey Count by Thalavai Pandi

The Nilgiris Dt

Malabar Flash by Thalavai Pandi

Black Prince by Madhan Kumar

Common Tinsel by Madhan Kumar PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

32

8

From the Facebook Pages...

Chestnut-streaked Sailer by Amar Bharathy

Large Oakblue by Amol Mande

Plane by Andipatti Pandi

Sinhalese Five-ring by Aniruddha Singhamahapatra

Striped Tiger by Arumugam Chandrasekaran

Common Hedge Blue by Bhanu Mathi

Common Evening Brown by Bhupathi Vignesh

Glad-eye Bushbrown by CV Nishanth PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

33

8

From the Facebook Pages...

Common Baron by Darshan M Trivedi

Baronet by Dharini Varadharajan

Psyche by Edward Gnanaraj

Common Castor by Elavarasan Malaiyappan

Tailless Lineblue by Enger Soll

Common Nawab by Franklin Sukumar

Cornelian by Gandhi Sankar

Common Sailer by Geethanjali Raghunathan PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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8

From the Facebook Pages...

Tawny Coster by Gopal Krishnan

Glad-eye Bushbrown by Harish G Mallaya

White Four-ring by Hema Mohandas

Peacock Pansy by Jafer Jocker

White hedge Blue by Kalmadi Rajiv

Psyche by Karthi KD Karthi

Plain Puffin by Madhan Kumar

Common Banded Awl by Maheshvar E PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

35

8

From the Facebook Pages...

Indigo Flash by Manoj Prabagaran K

Lime Blue by Merlin Selvan

Mottled Emigrant by Mithun Kumar

Common Evening Brown by Muniraj Palanisamy

Common Grass Yellow by Nagaraj Latha

Common Snow Flat by Pamela Sai

Painted Sawtooth by Pavendhan A

Plains Blue Royal by Prakash Loganathan PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

36

8

From the Facebook Pages...

Baronet by Rama Neelamegam

Painted Sawtooth by Ramanasaran Hari

Crimson Rose by Ramesh Thiyagarajan

Common Bushbrown by Rengaraj Bettai

Tawny Coster by Rohini Ramalingam

Tamil Yeoman by Samson Kirubakaran

Zebra Blue by Sathya K Selvam

Common Mormon by Sounder Ells PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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8

From the Facebook Pages...

Pioneer by Sravan Kumar

Oriental Grass Jewel by சுப்ரஜா

நரசிம்ஹன்

Common Treebrown by Sundar

Common Jezebel by Sundara Manickam

African Babul Blue by Surendiran Ryan

Redspot Duke & Blue Admiral by Thalavai Pandi

Oriental Grass Jewel by Vishvajit Kadam

Sinhalese Five-ring by Vishwa Nathan PATTAMPOOCHI A TNBS MAGAZINE WINGS 3 VEINS 2

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8

From the Facebook Pages...

Common Pierrot by Vicky Chinna

Crimson-tip by Vijayakumar Ramamoorthy

Tawny Coster by Selvaraj Rangasamy

Common Five-ring by Felix Nirmal Dev

Contribution to News Letters Our quarterly newsletter contains a broad range of news and articles on butterflies that are specifically interest to the Tamil Nadu landscape.

We look forward to receive contributions from as many cross-section of naturalists as possible on their butterfly experiences, field visits, checklists, interesting sightings, butterfly behaviours observed, life cycles, educative picture stories, etc. We are excited to hear from you all!

If you would like to contribute an article, news item or event notice for our newsletter please contact us at tamilnadubutterflies@gmail.com

Back Issues From the first issue released on Jan 1, 2017, we have since then released 9 issues every quarter and all the back volumes may be found in the following link: https://sites.google.com/view/ tamilnadubutterflies/

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Oriental Grass Jewel, Freyeria putli