01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
First record of Heliophorus tamu (Kollar, [1844]) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from Himachal Pradesh, India: Morphology, DNA barcoding and ecological insights
Abstract : This study presents the first confirmed record of Heliophorus tamu (Kollar, [1844]) from Himachal Pradesh, India, extending its known range into the northwestern Himalayas. The specimen was collected from the Kareri trek, Kangra and identified using both morphological characteristics and DNA barcoding. DNA sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) gene confirmed the species identification, with genetic analysis showing significant divergence from closely related species. This finding contributes to the knowledge of Heliophorus diversity in the Himalayas and highlights the need for further research on the specie’s ecological role and conservation status in montane ecosystems.