In a first for Mumbai, the Sahyadri Rustic (Cupha erymanthis maja), a butterfly native to the Western Ghats, has been recorded at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). The sighting not only highlights the rich biodiversity of the park but also marks a northward range extension for the species, previously known only up to Karnala Wildlife Sanctuary and Matheran.
The finding was published in the Zoo’s Print Journal (September 2025) by naturalists Akash Mhadgut and Amey Parkar.
The butterfly was spotted on July 13, 2024, during a nature walk in the Nagla Block of SGNP, where it was seen nectaring on Leea indica (Bandicoot Berry) flowers.
Small population
Speaking to mid-day, naturalist Mhadgut said, “This butterfly was earlier known to have its range till Matheran and Karnala, but multiple sightings suggest that a small population is thriving in parts of Mumbai. The paper mainly discusses this range extension and the addition of a new butterfly to the city’s list.”
The Sahyadri Rustic, belonging to the Nymphalidae family, is known for its ochre-yellow wings with black and white markings and is typically found in forested regions across the Western Ghats from Maharashtra to southern India. Experts say the butterfly’s presence in SGNP highlights the park’s thriving forest ecosystem and its role as a refuge for native butterfly species within city limits.
The researchers also noted that several host plants for the butterfly’s larvae — including Flacourtia indica, F jangomas, and F montana — are found within SGNP, making it a suitable habitat for the species.
Vital indicator
Conservationists said the finding reinforces the importance of continued monitoring of butterfly diversity in urban protected areas such as SGNP and Aarey, which serve as vital indicators of ecosystem health.
