Zographetus mathewi

The discovery of Zographetus mathewi, a new species of butterfly in the Western Ghats.

Key Details About Zographetus mathewi

• Taxonomy:
  This butterfly belongs to the Zographetus genus, which is part of the Hesperiidae family, commonly known as skippers. It is the 15th species in this genus and the 5th species to be recorded from India, making it a significant find in the field of lepidopterology.

• Common Name:
  The butterfly is proposed to be called the Sahyadri Spotted Flitter, named after the Sahyadri (Western Ghats), which is known for its unique biodiversity. The name honors both the butterfly’s distinctive features and its habitat.

• Habitat:
  It is endemic to the low-elevation forests of Kerala, a biodiversity hotspot that provides a perfect environment for various species, including this new butterfly.

Distinctive Features

The Zographetus mathewi can be identified by several key characteristics:

1. Wing Venation Patterns:
   It belongs to the Zographetus satwa species group, which has specific wing venation patterns. These patterns are important for classification and identification.

2. Secondary Sexual Traits:
   Males have swollen forewing veins, a characteristic feature of this genus, which is used for identification.

3. Other Physical Traits:

   • A basal hair tuft on the underside of the forewing.

   • Yellow-ochre scaling on the hindwing underside.

   • Unique genitalia structures in both males and females, which help differentiate this species from others in the group.

Ecological Role of Butterflies

Butterflies, especially species like the Zographetus mathewi, play a critical role in ecosystems:

• Pollination: They are important pollinators for various plants.

• Biological Pest Control: As prey, butterflies help regulate the population of other insects.

• Genetic Variation: Through their interaction with plants, they contribute to the genetic diversity of plant species.

• Indicators of Environmental Health: Butterflies are sensitive to changes in their environment. Their presence, abundance, and diversity can indicate the health of the ecosystem, making them useful as environmental monitors.