Source-This post on Dusted Apollo is based on the article “Dusted Apollo, a rare high altitude butterfly, sighted for first time in Himachal’s Chamba” published in “The Hindu” on 3rd February 2024.
Why in The News?
Dusted Apollo Butterfly a Brief, A rare high-altitude butterfly called the Dusted Apollo (Parnassius stenosemus) was seen and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh. It was sighted and photographed by two forest guards during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
What is Dusted Apollo Butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus)?
| Aspect | Details |
| About | 1. It is a butterfly species found in high-altitude regions, especially in mountainous regions of Ladakh. 2. It belongs to the family Papilionidae. 3. It was discovered in the year 1890. |
| Range of distribution | It is found from Ladakh to West Nepal, flying at altitudes between 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas. |
| Characteristics | 1. It is known for its distinctive wing patterns and coloration. 2. It closely resembles the Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus), but its distinguishing feature lies in the discal band on the upper forewing. 3. In the Dusted Apollo, the band is complete and extends from the costa to vein one, while in the Ladakh Banded Apollo, it is incomplete and extends only up to vein four. 4. The dark marginal band on the hind wings of the Dusted Apollo is narrower compared to the broader band found in the Ladakh Banded Apollo |
Note– Regal Apollo (Parnassius charltonius) was also photographed at Manimahesh lake.
a. It is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
About Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnassius stoliczkanus)
1) It is a rare butterfly found in high-altitude regions of Central Asia.
2) It is a member of the genus Parnassius of the swallowtail family, Papilionidae.
What are The Apollo Species of Butterflies?
1) Apollos are highly valued butterflies in commercial trade and command high prices within the poaching industry.
2) Himachal Pradesh has recorded 11 Apollo species, with five of them designated as Scheduled species.
3) Most of the Apollo butterflies are endangered and urgently require conservation and protection measures.
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About Manimahesh Lake
1. It is a high-altitude lake, located near the Manimahesh Kailash Peak in the Himalayas’ Pir Panjal Range. It is situated within the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
2. The religious importance of this lake is comparable to that of Lake Manasarovar in Tibet.
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