Rare "Dusted Apollo" Butterfly Sighted in Himachal Pradesh.

Environment | Dated: 06 Feb 2026

A rare high-altitude butterfly species named "Dusted Apollo" (Parnassius stenosemus) has been sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh's Chamba district. Previously, its distribution was known only from Ladakh to West Nepal. This sighting indicates an expansion in its known range.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • It belongs to the Swallowtail family.
  • It is protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
  • Apollo butterflies are commercially valuable and poached for high prices.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • Species: Dusted Apollo.
  • Type: Butterfly.
  • Sighting: Himachal Pradesh.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

The rare "Dusted Apollo" butterfly was recently sighted for the first time in which state's Chamba district?

Correct Answer: Himachal Pradesh

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Himachal

  • CM – Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu
  • Capital – Shimla