Guwahati, Mar 28: In a remarkable scientific discovery from Northeast India, researchers have identified a rare butterfly species in Arunachal Pradesh and named it after Assamese artist and cultural icon Zubeen Garg, marking yet another tribute to his legacy, a press release said on Saturday.
The newly documented species, Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, was found in the Basar region of Leparada district.
The finding comes shortly after a plant species was also named in honour of the artist, signalling a growing intersection of science and regional cultural recognition.
The discovery was led by Roshan Upadhaya, a police officer with a deep interest in nature, along with researcher Kalesh Sadasivan.
Scientists have described the find as significant not only from a taxonomic perspective but also as a symbolic gesture linking biodiversity with local identity in the Eastern Himalayan region.
What makes the butterfly particularly noteworthy is its extreme rarity. Despite detailed field surveys, only two specimens were recorded, leaving researchers uncertain whether the species has a very limited population or remains largely undetected due to its elusive nature.
The butterfly thrives in cool, shaded areas of semi-evergreen forests at altitudes of 600 to 700 metres. It is typically seen gliding slowly through dense vegetation, feeding on tree sap and extracting minerals from moist surfaces.
Meanwhile, its olive-brown wings, adorned with distinct white markings and a subtle iridescent glow, set it apart within a relatively lesser-known group of forest butterflies.
Further scientific examination confirmed that the species is distinct from its relatives, particularly due to unique wing patterns and specific male anatomical features.
Researchers have also suggested the common name “Basar Duke,” reflecting the location of its discovery, while the scientific name honours Zubeen Garg’s enduring influence across the Northeast.
