The rare Banded Royal butterfly (scientifically known as Rachana Jalindra Indra) has been spotted for the first time at the Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary in Tripura’s Sepahijala district.
- The researchers said the butterfly was first first seen on May 5, 2021, during an opportunistic survey in the sanctuary and is legally protected under Schedule II of the Indian Wildlife (Protected) Act, 1972.
Rachana jalindra
- Rachana jalindra, the banded royal, is a lycaenid or blue butterfly found in the Indomalayan realm.
- The species was first described by Thomas Horsfield in 1829.
- There are three sub-species of Rachana Jalindra found in India including Macantia from south-west India to Goa, Rachana Jalindra Tarpina in the Andamans and Rachana Jalindra Indra from Orissa to lower West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- Presently Rachana Jalindra indra’s presence has been recorded in Assam, Meghalaya and Jharkhand.
