Introduction

In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh.

Dusted Apollo

Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890.
Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake in Chamba.
Wide Range: The Dusted Apollo’s distribution extends from Ladakh to West Nepal.
Altitude Preference: This unique butterfly thrives at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to 4,800 meters in the inner Himalayas.
Comparing Species: Dusted Apollo closely resembles Ladakh Banded Apollo (Parnnasius stoliczkanus) but exhibits distinct features.

Rare Find: Dusted Apollo had never been photographed in Himachal Pradesh before.
Additional Discovery: Another rare species, Regal Apollo (Parnnasius charltonius), was also photographed at Manimahesh, protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Commercial Significance: Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and are targeted by poachers, emphasizing the need for conservation.
Endangered Species: Many Apollo butterfly species are endangered and require immediate conservation efforts.
Community Awareness: Raising awareness about poaching and the significance of these species is vital for their protection.
Conservation Measures: Suggested measures include establishing butterfly parks and conservation reserves in the state to safeguard these fragile creatures.