Euthalia zubeengargi is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Limenitidinae. It was discovered in the eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh, India, and formally reported in 2026. The species is named in honour of Assamese singer and cultural icon Zubeen Garg.
The species has been provisionally classified under the subgenus Limbusa as Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi and is commonly referred to as the Basar duke.
Euthalia zubeengargi belongs to the genus Euthalia, a group of butterflies commonly known as barons, distributed across the Indomalayan realm. The genus is part of the tribe Adoliadini within the subfamily Limenitidinae.
The species was described based on distinct morphological characteristics, including wing patterns and male genital structures, which distinguish it from closely related species.
The formal description has been reported as published in the entomological journal Entomon, associated with the Association for Advancement of Entomology.
The species was discovered in the Basar region of Lepa Rada district in Arunachal Pradesh during field surveys conducted in 2025.
It was identified by Roshan Upadhaya, a naturalist, in collaboration with researcher Kalesh Sadasivan of the Travancore Natural History Society.
Only two individuals were recordedâÂÂone collected specimen and one photographedâÂÂindicating that the species may be rare or under-documented.
Euthalia zubeengargi is a medium-sized forest butterfly characterised by olive-brown wings with distinct white markings and subtle iridescence.
It exhibits slow, gliding flight behaviour typical of the genus Euthalia. Diagnostic identification is based on unique wing patterns and differences in male genitalia.
The species is currently known only from the Basar region of Lepa Rada district in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
It inhabits semi-evergreen forests at elevations of approximately 600âÂÂ700 metres, preferring cool, shaded understories.
Field observations indicate that the butterfly feeds on tree sap and minerals from moist surfaces.
The butterfly is typically active during late morning to early afternoon and exhibits slow, short-distance flight patterns.
Its life cycle, larval host plants, and breeding behaviour remain undocumented.
The species is named after Assamese singer Zubeen Garg in recognition of his contributions to regional culture and identity.
The proposed common name "Basar Duke" reflects the locality of its discovery.
The conservation status of Euthalia zubeengargi has not yet been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The limited number of observed individuals has raised concerns about its rarity and potential vulnerability, highlighting the need for further research and conservation efforts.