Gangtok: A rare species of butterfly, the Spotless Baron, has been photographed at Dzongu in north Sikkim by nature conservationist Sonam Wangchuk Lepcha after a gap of five years.
“This rare species, the Euthalia saitaphernes or Spotless Baron, has been photographed only in India, and that too at Dzongu in Sikkim,” Lepcha said.
The butterfly was first recorded in Sikkim on October 29, 2019, also in Dzongu. The latest sighting on October 19, 2025, underscores the region’s ecological richness and reaffirms its status as a biodiversity hotspot in the Eastern Himalayas.
Around 70km from Gangtok, Dzongu lies in Mangan in north Sikkim, known for its rich biodiversity and pristine natural environment.
Lepcha had earlier photographed the same species at Upper Dzongu in October 2020. A passionate lepidopterist, Lepcha has been documenting and studying butterfly species since 2016 and serves as president of the Butterfly Society of Sikkim.
The Spotless Baron is known for its elusive behaviour and the absence of the white spots found on its close relatives, making every sighting particularly significant for lepidopterists and conservationists.
Emphasizing the region’s ecological significance, Lepcha said, “More than 700 butterfly species inhabit Sikkim, with over 60 per cent found in the Dzongu area.”
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Sikkim has emerged as a major destination for butterfly enthusiasts and lepidopterists. Besides Dzongu, areas such as Rimbi and the Kitam Bird Sanctuary have also become popular butterfly hotspots. Species like the Six-bar Swordtail, Spectacle Swordtail and Blue Duke regularly attract visitors and photographers.
