India Publishes Landmark Catalogue of Butterflies and Moths Diversity

India Publishes Landmark Catalogue of Butterflies and Moths Diversity

Why in the News ?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has published the first comprehensive Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India, documenting 13,703 species. The landmark work strengthens biodiversity conservation, taxonomy, and ecological research while highlighting India’s status as a megadiverse country.

Key Findings of the Lepidoptera Catalogue:

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have published a comprehensive Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
• The catalogue documents 13,703 species of Lepidoptera, representing nearly 8.25% of the world’s known butterfly and moth diversity.
• Of the total species recorded:

○   1,417 species are butterflies.

○   12,286 species are moths.

• The study classifies these species into 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 superfamilies, filling taxonomic gaps that persisted for over a century.
• Researchers spent nearly 12 years conducting field surveys, museum curation, and scientific verification to prepare the catalogue.

Ecological and Conservation Significance

• Butterflies and moths play a vital role in maintaining ecosystem balance by functioning as:

○   Pollinators

○   Herbivores

○   Detritivores

○   A major food source for birds, bats, reptiles, and other insectivorous animals.

• The catalogue provides an authoritative national database that will support:

○   Biodiversity monitoring

○   Ecological research

○   Species conservation

○   Climate change studies

• The study recorded 2,205 species belonging to the Geometroidea superfamily, accounting for nearly 8.8% of the world’s known Geometroidea species.
• The publication strengthens India’s position among the world’s megadiverse countries with a scientifically validated inventory of insect diversity.
• The database will assist policymakers in implementing evidence-based wildlife conservation and habitat management strategies.