India unveils first complete butterfly and moth catalogue after 12-year effort
India has achieved a milestone in biodiversity documentation with the release of its first comprehensive national catalogue of butterflies and moths, a 12-year undertaking led by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI). Announced on Thursday, the catalogue consolidates over a century of scattered taxonomic records into a single authoritative reference.
The catalogue documents 13,703 species of Lepidoptera — the insect order that includes butterflies and moths — found across India. According to the ZSI, this compilation provides the first updated national baseline for biodiversity research, ecological monitoring, and conservation planning. India's Lepidoptera diversity now spans 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 superfamilies, covering ecosystems from the Himalayas to the Western Ghats and tropical forests.
The survey estimates that India is home to 8.25% of the world's known butterfly and moth species, underscoring the country's status as one of the world's megadiverse nations. This comprehensive inventory is expected to aid scientists and policymakers in tracking changes in insect populations, assessing the impact of climate change, and formulating conservation strategies.
The effort involved meticulous verification of historical records and field surveys across the country. The ZSI noted that the catalogue resolves taxonomic ambiguities and updates the nomenclature, providing a reliable foundation for future studies. It also highlights the need for continued monitoring as many species face threats from habitat loss and environmental degradation.
This catalogue is a significant step towards understanding and preserving India's rich insect biodiversity. It serves as a tool for researchers, conservationists, and educators, enabling more effective protection of these ecologically vital creatures.
