News: Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) published the "Catalogue of Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths) of India" in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.

Highlights

• India is home to 13,703 species of Lepidoptera, accounting for 8.25% of the world's known species.
• Of these: Butterflies: 1,417, Moths: 12,286
• Covers 3,705 genera, 240 subfamilies, 102 families, and 31 superfamilies.
• The catalogue was prepared over 12 years through field exploration, museum studies, and literature review.

Significance

• Bridges over a century of taxonomic gaps in documenting India's Lepidoptera.
• Provides an authoritative national inventory for biodiversity research and ecological monitoring.
• Strengthens species identification, conservation planning, and legal documentation.

Ecological Importance of Lepidoptera

• Pollinators of many flowering plants.
• Serve as herbivores and detritivores.
• Form an important food source for birds, bats, and other insectivores.
• Help maintain ecological balance.