In Nepal the increase in elevation from 62 meters to 8,848 meters represents a gradual transition in altitude from south to north, showcasing diverse and dynamic ecosystems within this country, which hosts a range of habitats that support butterflies of different conservation status.
A few species of high mountain butterflies, such as various species of Apollo, can be seen as high as 5,300 meters in Nepal’s Himalayas (Smith,1989). These insects are highly adapted to thrive in frigid environment and can be seen soaring in the elevated terraces where scanty and short vegetation is present.
Apollo (Parnassius) butterflies represent a distinctive feature of the Himalayan region. Apollo butterflies are typically observed from mid-May until the end of September, whereas Common Blue Apollo (P. hardwickii) can be found year-round, with the exception of the coldest months of January and February (Smith, 1989). Among Nepal’s Apollos, the Common Red Apollo is observed at the altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 5,454 meters (Nepali and Khanal,1983). The dark patterns on their wings and slightly darker bodies serve to absorb solar heat, enabling them to thrive in colder environments. Additionally, they possess dark, hairy abdomens that help to retain their body heat.
One notable rare species of Parnassius found in Nepal is the Sikkim Banded Apollo (Parnassius acdestis), which is confined to limited areas of the western Nepal within the elevations of 4,698 m to 5,245 m. Its three endemic subspecies (markii, laurentii and whitei) were documented by Epstein (1979) from Manang and Dolpo of west Nepal.
Apollo habitat in the Upper Temperate Zone of the Himalayas in Nepal
References
Epstein, H. J. (1979). Interesting, rare and new Papilionids (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) from the central Nepal Himalayas. International Nepal Himalaya Expedition for Lepidoptera Palearctic –INHELP,. Entomologist’s Gazette 30(3):15
Inomata, T. (1998). Parnasiinae from Nepal. Moths of Nepal Haruta (Ed.), – Part 5. Shinjuku, Tokyo: Tinea, Japan Heterocerists’ Society. [including Parnassius species]:314 pp., 31 pl.
Nepali, H. S. & Khanal, B. (1983). Some Trans Himalayan Butterflies from Dolpo and Manang regions of Nepal. Journal of Natural History Museum 7:35–40.
Oshima, S-I. (1985). A New Subspecies of Parnassius cephalus (Grum-Grshimailo, 1891) from Nepal Himalaya (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae), Toy to Ga 36 (2):77– 82.
Smith, C. (1989). Butterflies of Nepal. Tecpress Services, Bangkok, Thailand.
Author:
Dr. Bhaiya Khanal
Professor, Natural History Museum (Tribhuvan University), Kathmandu, Nepal
Email: baya2000@live.com
