Sikkim Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna Photo Blog

Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis) - Sikkim Fauna

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:18:19 +0000

https://youtube.com/shorts/2CJOMyWa7Gc?feature=share

The Indian Muntjac (Muntiacus vaginalis), belonging to the family Cervidae and order Artiodactyla, is a primitive deer species with an evolutionary origin dating back 15 to 35 million years to the Miocene epoch in Southern Asia. In the context of Sikkim, its distribution ranges from the lower tropical valleys like Singtam and Rangpo up to temperate forests at elevations of 3,000 meters.

These deer are highly adaptable but prefer the dense undergrowth and steep, rugged terrain of the Eastern Himalayas, where the thick vegetation provides essential cover and a steady supply of fallen fruits, seeds, and succulent shoots.

A standout special feature of the muntjac is its unique "barking" alarm call, a loud, rhythmic sound used to signal the presence of predators like leopards. Morphologically, they are distinct because males possess both short, two-pronged antlers atop long, hair-covered pedicels and visible, tusklike upper canine teeth used for defense and territorial disputes.

Furthermore, they are among the few deer species known to exhibit omnivorous tendencies, occasionally consuming bird eggs or small animal carcasses. Their presence in the mid-hills of Sikkim remains a vital indicator of a healthy, functioning forest ecosystem.

Calvatia gigantea (Giant Puffball) - Sikkim Fungi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 May 2026 13:53:47 +0000

Calvatia gigantea (Giant Puffball), is a member of the Agaricaceae family and is recognized by its massive, globose body. While it is widely distributed across temperate regions of North America and Europe, its presence in India is considered localized and relatively infrequent.

In the specific context of the Sikkim Himalayas, while the genus Calvatia is known to exist, this species is not as commonly documented in regional edible mushroom surveys as other local fungi, making a sighting in this area a noteworthy event.

In Sikkim, these mushrooms typically appear during the rainy season in grassy meadows, forest clearings, or fields. Foragers should exercise caution, as the mushroom is only safe to eat when the interior is pure white and firm; any yellowing or browning indicates spore maturation, which can lead to digestive issues.

Additionally, one must distinguish it from the "egg stage" of toxic Amanita species, which can be done by cutting the specimen open to ensure there is no developing cap or gill structure inside.

Amanita hemibapha (Half-dyed Slender Caesar) - Sikkim Fungi

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:49:08 +0000

Amanita hemibapha, commonly known as the Half-dyed Slender Caesar, belongs to the order Agaricales and the family Amanitaceae. This species is widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia, particularly flourishing in the moist, temperate forests of the Himalayan belt in India, Nepal, and Bhutan.

As a mycorrhizal fungus, it lives in a symbiotic partnership with the roots of trees like oaks and pines, playing a vital role in the health of the local forest ecosystem.

Visually, the mushroom is distinguished by the thick, white, cup-like volva at its base and the deep radial striations (grooves) running along the edge of its vibrant golden-yellow cap. These features are hallmarks of the Amanita genus, which contains both highly prized edible species and some of the world's most deadly toxins.

Because of the risk of confusing, it with lethal relatives, it is best appreciated for its aesthetic beauty and its contribution to the biodiversity of the mountainside.

Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) - Indian Fruits

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:45:22 +0000

The Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) is a tropical evergreen tree member of the Sapindaceae family, closely related to the lychee and longan. Its name is derived from the Malay word for "hair," referring to the distinctive soft, reddish spines that cover the leathery skin of the fruit.

Native to the humid rainforests of the Malay-Indonesian archipelago, it has been cultivated for centuries across Southeast Asia and is now widely distributed in tropical climates globally, including parts of Central America and Southern India.

Beyond its striking appearance, the fruit is prized for its succulent, translucent white flesh which offers a delicate balance of sweetness and mild acidity. From a botanical standpoint, it is notable for its high Vitamin C content and its unique growth habit, often requiring a specific tropical environment with high humidity and well-drained soil to thrive.

While the juicy aril is the primary draw for consumption, the tree also holds cultural and medicinal significance in its native regions, where various parts of the plant, including the roots and leaves, are used in traditional applications.

Aristobia approximator (Tufted Longhorn Beetle) - Sikkim Beetle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 04:26:41 +0000

The Aristobia approximator, often called the Tufted Longhorn Beetle, belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. It is native to the lush, tropical forests of Southeast Asia and is widely distributed across Northeastern India, including Sikkim, as well as in countries like Nepal and Thailand. These beetles play an important role in nature by helping break down wood, though they are often found around teak and fruit trees where they feed on bark and sap.

This beetle is famous for its striking black and yellow spotted pattern, which helps it blend into the dappled light of the forest or warn predators to stay away. Its most "special" feature is the tiny tufts of black hair found on the third segment of its very long antennae, which is how it got its common name. Growing about the size of a grown-up's thumb, they have a hard, armor-like shell and strong jaws that allow them to live and feed in the woody environments they call home.

Forest Harvestman (Gagrella sp.)

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:32:16 +0000

The Forest Harvestman (Gagrella sp.)

This species belongs to the order Opiliones and the family Sclerosomatidae. While they are found globally, this specific genus is incredibly diverse across South Asia, thriving in the high-humidity forests and gardens of Sikkim. Unlike spiders, they have a single, rounded body and are completely non-venomous.

They are often found in large groups on the undersides of leaves or on damp stone walls, acting as important scavengers that help keep the ecosystem clean by eating small insects and decaying plant matter.

The most famous "special feature" of this species is its extraordinarily long, thin legs, which can be over ten times the length of its body. These legs are not just for walking; they are covered in tiny sensory hairs that act like high-tech "antennae" to feel for food or predators in the dark.

If a predator like a bird attacks, this species can perform a unique move called "bobbing," where it vibrates its body so fast that it becomes a blur, making it impossible to catch.

Patterned Forest Huntsman - Sikkim Spider

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 05:32:49 +0000

The Patterned Forest Huntsman (Heteropoda species)

Also a member of the Sparassidae family, the spider represents a different species within the Heteropoda genus (or closely related Barylestis), typically more adapted to the Indo-Himalayan forest ecosystems. Its distribution is more localized to the humid, high-altitude regions of South Asia, including the forested foothills of Gangtok.

Unlike its domestic cousin, this species features a high-contrast dorsal pattern, specifically a dark, lobed "mask" on its cephalothorax and a sharp vertical stripe on the abdomen. Its special features include exceptionally elongated, slender legs designed for navigating uneven forest terrain and rocks, and a more aggressive camouflage pattern that mimics the dappled shadows of the Himalayan leaf litter.

BORBACHA PARDARIA - SIKKIM MOTH

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 14:26:00 +0000

Borbacha pardaria is a species of moth within the family Geometridae, first described by Achille Guenée in 1857. It is primarily distributed across South and Southeast Asia, with documented sightings in the specifically the North-east Himalayas and Western Ghats.

Visually, the moth is characterized by prominent black or dark spots on both the forewings and hindwings. Often displaying a yellowish or pale brown ground colour with darker speckling (mottling), which provides camouflage against tree bark or dried leaves. This mottled pattern serves as highly effective camouflage against the bark and dried foliage of its natural habitat.

Neptis hylas ( Common Sailor) - Sikkim Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:14:00 +0000

Shantinagar, Singtam

The Common Sailor (Neptis hylas) is a butterfly found in South and Southeast Asia. It has dark brown wings with white markings, creating a sail-like appearance. With a wingspan of 50-60 mm, it flies slowly, often close to the ground.

Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia, it is commonly found in wooded areas and gardens. The caterpillars feed on plants from the Lamiaceae and Verbenaceae families. The Common Sailor is known for its unique wing patterns and graceful flight, making it a notable species in the region.

Physalis peruviana (Cape Gooseberry) - Sikkim Flora

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 15:59:00 +0000

The Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana), known as "Rasbari" in Sikkim, is a bushy plant growing 1 to 3 feet tall, with velvety leaves and yellowish flowers. The small, round fruit, encased in a papery husk, offers a sweet-tart flavour and is rich in vitamins A, C, and antioxidants.

Native to South America, particularly Peru and Chile, Cape Gooseberry has now spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It thrives in well-drained soils and sunny climates and is often cultivated in home gardens or small farms for fresh consumption and commercial purposes.

Xystrocera globosa ( Monkeypod Round-Headed Borer) - Sikkim Beetle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 21 Jul 2024 15:58:00 +0000

This beetle is the Xystrocera globosa, often called the Monkeypod Round-Headed Borer or simply the Striped Longhorn Beetle. It belongs to the order Coleoptera and the family Cerambycidae. While it is thought to have originated in South and Southeast Asia, it is now widely distributed across the globe, including India, Australia, and parts of Africa and Hawaii. These beetles are usually found in areas with plenty of trees, as they are attracted to hardwoods like the Monkeypod or Albizia trees, where they play a role in nature by helping to break down wood.

A special feature of this species is its long, slender body decorated with two distinct yellowish-brown stripes running down its back. Like other longhorn beetles, it has extraordinarily long antennae that help it feel and smell its surroundings in the dark. Growing to about the length of a paperclip, this beetle has a very strong outer shell and can even make a faint stridulating (squeaking) noise by rubbing its body parts together to scare off predators!

Batocera rufomaculata (Fig borer) - Sikkim Beetle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 16:00:00 +0000

Batocera rufomaculata, commonly known as Fig borer, tropical fig borer, mango stem borer, a long-horn beetle originating from Asia, was described by Charles De Geer in 1775. It infests various trees including Ficus carica, Carica papaya, Mangifera indica, and Shorea robusta, posing a threat to fruit tree cultivation, particularly mangoes, by causing yield loss and tree death.

Human activities have spread globally, affecting regions like Israel, Madagascar, and the Virgin Islands. Control efforts face challenges due to its broad host range and susceptibility to parasitic infection by Avetianella batocerae. Effective management strategies focus on monitoring, quarantine, and biological controls to mitigate its impact on agriculture and forestry.

Oligodon albocinctus (ight Barred Kukri Snake) - Sikkim Snake

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 13:30:00 +0000

Oligodon albocinctus, the light-barred kukri snake, is a colubrid snake endemic to Asia. First described by Theodore Cantor in 1839, it is recognized for its white crossbands on a darker body, providing effective camouflage. This nocturnal and secretive snake inhabits forested and hilly regions across South Asia, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.

It feeds on eggs, small rodents, and other small vertebrates, using its kukri knife-shaped teeth for cutting open eggs. The species is oviparous, laying eggs from which the young hatch.

Lilium longiflorum ( Easter lily) - Sikkim Flora

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 15:40:00 +0000

Dogeythang Primary School

The Easter lily, scientifically known as Lilium longiflorum, belongs to the Liliales order and the Liliaceae family. It's a lovely white flower native to Japan, known for its pleasant fragrance and trumpet-shaped blooms. The plant can reach heights of up to 1 meter (3 feet) and typically blooms in late spring to early summer.

It has long, lance-shaped leaves and prefers well-drained soil and partial sunlight. The Easter lily is often associated with the Easter holiday and is widely used in floral arrangements and garden landscaping.

Agave attenuata (Fox tail agave) - Sikkim Flora

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 09:26:00 +0000

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Order: Asparagales

Family: Asparagaceae

Genus: Agave

Species: A. attenuta

Binomial name: Agave attenuata Salm-Dyck (1834)

Other Names: Fox tail or Lion tail or Swan's neck agave

Anlion larva - Sikkim Insect

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 13:33:00 +0000

10.10.22 : Sakyong Chisopani JHS

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Neuroptera

Family: Myrmeleontidae

Genus:

Species:

Binomial name:

Other Names: Doodlebug, Antlion

Thyas coronata (Yellow Underwing) - Sikkim Moth

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 15:11:00 +0000

Place: Shantinagar, Singtam (04.08.2022)

Scientific Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Erebidae

Genus: Thyas

Species: T. coronata

Binomial name: Thyas coronata (Fabricius, 1775)

Other Names: Yellow Underwing

Euthalia lubentina (Gaudy Baron) - Sikkim Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:00:00 +0000

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Nymphalidae

Genus: Euthalia

Species: E. Lubentina

Binomial name: Euthalia Lubentina (Crammer, 1777)

Other Names: Banded Treebrown

Heteropoda venatoria (Pantropical Huntsman Spider - Sikkim Spider

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:11:00 +0000

The Pantropical Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda venatoria), frequently called the Giant Huntsman, is a formidable yet beneficial predator found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Belonging to the family Sparassidae, it is easily recognized by its large, hairy leg span and a distinct creamy-white "moustache" band located just above its jaws.

Unlike many common house spiders, it does not build webs to catch food. Instead, it relies on its exceptional speed and a unique, crab-like sideways movement to chase down and overpower prey, including cockroaches, silverfish, and other large insects. This makes them highly effective natural pest controllers for households.

Physically, these spiders possess a flattened body structure that allows them to hide in incredibly thin crevices, such as behind furniture or under tree bark. While their size and rapid movements can be startling, they are generally shy and prefer to flee from humans rather than confront them.

They are not considered medically significant; while a bite can be painful—similar to a bee or wasp sting—their venom is not dangerous to healthy humans. In the wild, they are known for their maternal care, as females carry their large, silk egg sacs underneath their bodies to protect them until the spiderlings are ready to emerge.

Epidaus famulus (Assassin Bug) - Sikkim Insect

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 15:32:00 +0000

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Hemiptera (bugs)

Family: Reduviidae

Genus: Epidaus

Species: E. famulus

Binomial name: Epidaus famulus (Stål, 1863)

Other Names: Assassin Bug

Papilio clytia (common mime) - Sikkim Butterfly

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 15:18:00 +0000

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Lepidoptera

Family: Papilionidae

Genus: Papilo

Species: P. clytia

Binomial name: Papilo clytia Linnaeus (1758)

MORE ON GENUS PAPILIO

Argiope anasuja (Signature Spider) - Sikkim Spider

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 16:30:00 +0000

Place: Chisopani, Singtam (05.07.22)

The Signature Spider (Argiope anasuja)

The Signature Spider belongs to the family Araneidae (orb-weavers) and the genus Argiope. This species is native to South Asia, with a wide distribution across India, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Unlike the free-roaming Huntsman, this spider is a master architect that spends its life in a large, circular web, typically built among low shrubs or garden plants in regions like Sikkim. It is easily identified by its vibrant yellow, white, and black bands and its unique, pentagonal-shaped abdomen.

The most fascinating "special feature" of this spider is the stabilimentum—a thick, zig-zagging ribbon of white silk that forms an "X" shape in the middle of the web. This is why it’s called the Signature Spider, as the silk looks like a handwritten scribbled name. Scientists believe this "signature" has a high-tech purpose: it reflects Ultraviolet (UV) light to mimic flowers, tricking pollinators like bees and butterflies into flying straight into the trap. When a predator like a bird approaches, the spider can shake its web so fast that it becomes a blur, using its art and its speed as a clever defense shield.

Place: Chisopani, Singtam (05.07.22)

Moulting in cockroach

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:21:00 +0000

In order to grow, cockroaches like many other arthropods shed their old skin. This moulting process helps the insects to grow. This photograph was taken in Shantinagar, Singtam by Arpan Pradhan.

Flat headed leaf hopper (Cicadellidae Ledrinae) - Sikkim Insect

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 03:07:00 +0000

Darkling beetle - Sikkim Beetle

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Jun 2021 08:36:00 +0000