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VOL. 10, ISSUE 10 (2025)
First state record of Arhopala atrax (Hewitson, 1862) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Bihar, India
Authors
Manu Manjula, Rakesh Kumar, Manish Bhardwaj
Abstract
This study documents the first confirmed record of Arhopala atrax
(Hewitson, 1862), commonly known as the Indian Oakblue, from Bihar, India. The
species was recorded from Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS), Nalanda District,
during butterfly monitoring surveys conducted on first on 17 June 2022, and
subsequently in 2023, and 2024. The first sighting occurred along the Nature
Safari Road in mixed deciduous forest, followed by repeat observations in the
same locality in subsequent years, suggesting the species’ continued presence
and possible establishment in the area. Arhopala atrax belongs to the
family Lycaenidae and is generally distributed across northeastern and
southern India, with few records from central regions. Its occurrence in Rajgir
WLS extends its known distribution to the southeastern Gangetic plains and adds
a new state record for Bihar. The finding highlights the sanctuary’s ecological
significance as an important refuge for butterfly diversity and emphasizes the
need for sustained monitoring to understand habitat use, seasonal occurrence,
and population trends of Arhopala atrax and other lesser-known lycaenids
in this biologically rich yet understudied landscape.
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Pages:59-61
How to cite this article:
Manu Manjula, Rakesh Kumar, Manish Bhardwaj "First state record of <i>Arhopala atrax</i> (Hewitson, 1862) (<i>Lepidoptera</i>: <i>Lycaenidae</i>) from Bihar, India". International Journal of Entomology Research, Vol 10, Issue 10, 2025, Pages 59-61
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