Context
- The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) has published the “Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India” in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystema. It is the first comprehensive scientific catalogue of India’s butterflies and moths, prepared after 12 years of research, providing an updated and authoritative baseline for biodiversity conservation.
About Lepidoptera
- Lepidoptera is one of the largest orders of insects comprising butterflies and moths.
- The name Lepidoptera means “scale-winged insects” (Greek: lepido = scale; ptera = wings).
- They undergo complete metamorphosis:
- Egg → Larva (Caterpillar) → Pupa (Chrysalis/Cocoon) → Adult.
- Characterised by scaled wings, coiled proboscis, and high ecological importance.
Key Statistics & Biogeographical Significance
- Global Share: India is a certified Lepidoptera hotspot, housing 13,703 species, which constitutes roughly 8.25% of the world’s total Lepidoptera.
- Composition:
- Moths outnumber butterflies significantly: Out of the 13,703 species, 12,286 are moths and 1,417 are butterflies.
- Taxonomic Breakdown: The diversity spans 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 super families.
- The “Night Shift” Pollinators: The catalogue specifically highlights 2,205 species of Geometroidea (nocturnal pollinators), accounting for 8.8% of the world’s known species in this superfamily. They handle essential pollination services at night when daytime butterflies rest.
Ecological Importance of Butterflies and Moths
- Important pollinators, especially of wild flowering plants.
- Caterpillars act as primary herbivores, regulating vegetation.
- Serve as a major food source for birds, reptiles, bats and amphibians.
- Contribute to nutrient recycling as decomposers and detritivores.
- Sensitive to environmental changes, making them excellent bio-indicators of ecosystem health.
Why is the Catalogue Important?
- Establishes an authoritative national database on Lepidoptera.
- Supports species identification, taxonomy and biodiversity research.
- Helps in ecological monitoring and climate change studies.
- Assists in wildlife conservation planning and habitat management.
- Provides legal and scientific reference for future biodiversity documentation.
About Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
- Established: 1916
- Headquarters: Kolkata, West Bengal
- Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Function:
- India’s premier institution for faunal exploration and taxonomic research.
- Surveys, documents and monitors the country’s animal diversity.
- Maintains the National Zoological Collections (NZC).
- Advises the Government on biodiversity conservation and wildlife taxonomy.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Lepidoptera |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding Lepidoptera:
1. Lepidoptera includes both butterflies and moths.
2. Butterflies and moths undergo complete metamorphosis.
3. The Zoological Survey of India is the statutory authority responsible for implementing the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation:
• Statement 1 is Correct. Lepidoptera comprises butterflies and moths.
• Statement 2 is Correct. They undergo complete metamorphosis (egg–larva–pupa–adult).
• Statement 3 is Incorrect. ZSI is a scientific and taxonomic research institution, not the statutory authority for implementing the Wildlife (Protection) Act.