Understanding life cycle and identification of larval host plant of lesser-known butterfly Truncate Imperial Cheritrella truncipennis from Sikkim Himalaya, India

Abstract

The North-East Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent is enriched with high butterfly diversity. However, information on life history and larval host plants is still scanty for the majority of the butterflies in the region. Here we provide a detailed account of the life history of the lesser-known butterfly Truncate Imperial (Cheritrella truncipennis) from Upper-Hathidunga, Gyalshing District, Sikkim, a north-eastern state of India and part of the Himalaya biodiversity hotspot. We also provide a first account of its larval host plant Smilax lanceifolia. We conducted regular field visits in the study area to observe adult butterflies and locate the ovipositing sites. Subsequently, rearing of eggs and larva to their adulthood stage was conducted in the captive condition. The butterfly took 68 days to complete its entire life cycle (eggs to eclosion). The high survival rate of larvae indicates that captive breeding may be an alternative strategy for the conservation of Truncate Imperial. The study provides valuable information that may be required for detailed ecological studies and formulating regional conservation program. However, ex-situ efforts alone may not replicate the survival strategies needed in the wild (as natural habitats experiences various threats) and should only complement in-situ conservation approaches.