What is Neptis Philyra?

About Neptis Philyra

• It is a rare species of butterfly, commonly known as the long-streak sailor.
• Till date, the butterfly species was known to be found across various regions of east Asia, including eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central and southwest China.
• The butterfly has serrated wings with rich brownish-black on the upper side and yellow brown on the underside.
• The butterfly’s distinct markings include a white cell streak forming a “hockey stick” pattern on the forewing.
• The species, which is part of the Nymphalidae family, is known to prefer habitats such as evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

Key Facts about Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: It is located near the beautiful Apatani cultural landscape in the Lower Subansiri District of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Rivers like Pange, Sipu, Karing, and Subansiri flow through this sanctuary.
• Flora: It has a stunning spectrum of subtropical and alpine forests like silver fir trees, ferns, orchids, bamboo, and rhododendron.

Fauna: Clouded leopard, Himalayan squirrel, Himalayan Black Bear etc.

Q1: What are rhododendrons?

Rhododendrons are plants with beautiful flowers and glossy leaves. The name rhododendron comes from the Greek words for rose (rhodon) and tree (dendron).

There are more than 800 species, or types, of rhododendron. They can be found throughout the world except for Africa and South America. Many are found in the Himalayas and the mountains of Malaysia in Asia.

Source: Rare butterfly species discovered in Arunachal’s Tale sanctuary