Free Courses Sale ends Soon, Get It Now


NOBLE’S HELEN

30th January, 2023

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended. 

Context:  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.

Details:

  • Three butterfly enthusiasts recorded the “extremely rare” Noble’s Helen (Papilio noblei) from three locations in the Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh in the year to September 2021.

About:

  • The Noble’s Helen, closest to Papilio antonio from the Philippines and characterised by a large dorsal white spot, was once common in the montane forest at moderate elevations in northern Thailand.
  • This species of swallowtail butterfly has also been reported from the Myanmar, Yunnan and Hubai regions of China, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
  • Butterflies are considered vital indicators of the state of biodiversity and key ecosystem functions.
  • Noble’s Helen with a wingspan of 100-120 mm was initially thought to be an aberration of Papilio helenus, though the former has an extra white spot in the dorsum of the forewing.
  • A closer study showed Papilio noblei sports a consistent white spot and has a complete row of red lunules on the underside of the hind wing and discal white areas on the upper side.

 https://epaper.thehindu.com/Home/ShareArticle?OrgId=G7HAQD96T.1&imageview=0