A newly discovered butterfly species in Arunachal Pradesh has been named after legendary Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, marking a rare intersection of science and regional identity.
The Zubeen Garg butterfly, scientifically classified as Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, was documented in the Basar region of Leparada district, highlighting the rich but underexplored biodiversity of Northeast India.
The discovery comes just days after a newly identified plant species was also named in Garg’s honour, signalling growing recognition of regional figures in scientific naming practices.
Reacting to the discovery, Zubeen Garg’s wife, Garima Saikia Garg, wrote on social media, “Let the child of nature stay blossomed just like in its own mother's lap... These will be his happiness.. and ours too! We lived our lives on these small joys!”
The butterfly was identified through the efforts of Roshan Upadhaya, a policeman and nature enthusiast, along with researcher Kalesh Sadasivan. The find is being described as both a taxonomic milestone and a cultural tribute rooted in the Eastern Himalayas.
Researchers noted the species’ extreme rarity, having recorded only two individuals despite extensive field surveys. This has raised concerns about whether the butterfly is inherently scarce or simply elusive within dense forest ecosystems.
Habitat, Unique Characteristics
The species inhabits shaded understories of semi-evergreen forests at elevations between 600 and 700 metres. It is typically seen moving slowly through foliage, feeding on tree sap and drawing minerals from moist surfaces.
Characterised by olive-brown wings with distinct white markings and a subtle iridescent sheen, the butterfly belongs to a lesser-known group of forest-dwelling species. Detailed examination confirmed its uniqueness, particularly through wing patterns and distinct male anatomical traits.
The researchers have proposed the common name “Basar Duke,” linking the butterfly to its place of discovery. Its scientific naming honours Zubeen Garg’s cultural influence across the Northeast.