Historic Discovery of Pointed Siliet Blue Butterfly in Rajasthan

Udaipur, Jan 6, 2025 - A significant milestone has been achieved in the study of butterflies in the biodiversity-rich southern region of Rajasthan. For the first time in the State, the rare butterfly Pointed Siliet Blue (anthene lycaenina) has officially been recorded from Udaipur by butterfly researcher Mukesh Panwar.

This discovery not only enriches Rajasthan’s butterfly biodiversity but also provides new insights into the ecology of dry and thorn forest ecosystems.

Along with this finding, caesalpinia bonduc has been scientifically confirmed for the first time in Rajasthan as the larval host plant of this species. This plant is locally known as Katkaranj, Gajla, Mendhal and Panshul.

Discovery at Jaisamand

This historic discovery was made on November 2, 2025, on the Jaisamand-Udaipur road, opposite Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary.

The caterpillar of the butterfly was found feeding on the flower buds of caesalpinia bonduc and was collected by Panwar. The complete life cycle of the butterfly was later successfully observed and completed under safe conditions at his residence.

Life Cycle

• Date of pupation: November 9, 2025
• Date of eclosion (emergence of adult butterfly): November 17, 2025
• Total duration: 15 days
• Wingspan of adult butterfly: 24–29 mm

Scientific Recognition

The first record of this butterfly species from Rajasthan was formally documented by Panwar. The research was carried out under the guidance of Peter Smetacek, Director of the Butterfly Research Centre, Bhimtal (Uttarakhand), and was published as a research paper in the December 2025 issue of the scientific journal Bionotes.

Significance of this Discovery

• First Record: This species had never been recorded in Rajasthan before.
• Larval Host Plant: Caesalpinia bonduc has been confirmed for the first time in Rajasthan as a larval host plant for an anthene species.
• Expansion of Habitat Range: The Pointed Siliet Blue butterfly is generally found in the Eastern Ghats of southern India, with additional records from southern Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The spread of caesalpinia bonduc and favourable environmental conditions are believed to have contributed to the expansion of its habitat range.
• Ecological Indicator: The presence of butterflies and moths is directly linked to the availability of larval food plants. Conservation of native vegetation is essential for maintaining a healthy environment and a strong food chain.
• New Insight: This discovery sheds new light on butterfly ecology in dry deciduous and thorny scrub forest regions. Experts believe it increases the likelihood of discovering more rare butterfly species in Rajasthan’s dry landscapes in the future.

About the Researcher

Panwar, who is a resident of Sagwara (Dungarpur district), is a school teacher by profession and an active butterfly researcher. In 2020, he had collaborated with Smetacek to document a new butterfly species from India, spialia zebra, including its life cycle and distribution. Similarly, in 2023, he made an important discovery of the Golden Birdwing butterfly from Alwar.

His achievements are considered significant milestones not only for Rajasthan but also for butterfly biodiversity studies across India.

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