Noble’s Helen: Arunachal yields India’s newest butterfly

• A swallowtail butterfly disappearing from its previously known ranges from Myanmar and southern China to Vietnam has been recorded for the first time in India.
• The “extremely rare” Noble’s Helen (Papilio noblei) was recorded from 3 locations in the Namdapha National Park of Arunachal Pradesh in 2021.

Noble’s Helen

• Closest to Papilio antonio from the Philippines
• Characteristics: It was characterised by a large dorsal white spot & was once common in the montane forest at moderate elevations in northern Thailand.
• Found from: It was photographed live from 19th Mile, Lunkai Nala, and near Deban Camp within the 1,985-sq.km Namdapha, also India’s easternmost tiger reserve.
• Wingspan: 100-120 mm.

Prelims Takeaway

• Namdapha National Park
• Noble’s Helen