‘Pointed Ciliate Blue’ Butterfly Recorded in Rajasthan for the First Time

Udaipur: In a significant development for butterfly research in southern Rajasthan, a rare butterfly species, Pointed Ciliate Blue (Anthene lycaenina), has been officially recorded in the state for the first time by butterfly researcher Mukesh Panwar. This discovery not only enriches the butterfly biodiversity of Rajasthan but also provides new insights into the ecology of dry and thorny forest habitats.

Along with this discovery, Caesalpinia bonduc (locally known as Katkaranj, Gajla, Mendhal, or Panshul) has been confirmed as the larval host plant for this species in Rajasthan for the first time.

### Discovery Location:

The historic finding was made on 2 November 2025, along the Jaisamand–Udaipur Road, near the Jaisamand Sanctuary gate. The butterfly’s caterpillar was found feeding on the flower buds of Caesalpinia bonduc. It was collected by Panwar, a resident of Sagwara (Dungarpur), and its complete life cycle was successfully observed and documented under safe conditions at his home.

### Butterfly Life Cycle:

* Pupa Formation: 9 November 2025
* Eclosion (Adult Emergence): 17 November 2025
* Total Duration: 15 days
* Adult Wingspan: 24–29 mm

### Scientific Recognition:

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

### Why This Discovery is Special:

* First Record in Rajasthan: This species had not been previously recorded in the state.
* New Larval Host Plant: Caesalpinia bonduc is now the first confirmed host plant for Anthene species in Rajasthan.

### Habitat Expansion:

While the Pointed Ciliate Blue is typically found in the Eastern Ghats of southern India, it has also been reported in southern Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The widespread presence of Katkaranj plants and suitable ecological conditions may explain the species’ extended habitat range.

### Ecological Indicator:

Butterflies rely on their larval host plants for survival, making the conservation of local flora essential for a healthy environment and a strong food chain.

### New Understanding of Dry Forest Ecology:

This discovery sheds light on the ecology of butterflies in dry deciduous and thorny shrub habitats. Experts believe it may lead to the discovery of more rare butterfly species in Rajasthan’s arid regions in the future.