Rubus ellipticus (Yellow Himalayan raspberry) - Sikkim Shrub

Rubus ellipticus (Yellow Himalayan raspberry)

Place : Chayataal, Hee, West Sikkim
Date: May 24, 2014; Pic: Shital Pradhan

The Yellow Himalayan Raspberry, scientifically known as Rubus ellipticus, is a unique plant belonging to the order Rosales and the genus Rubus. This shrub is native to the Himalayan region, including countries like Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka, and it can also be found in Southern China and the Philippines. In Nepali, it is commonly called ‘ऐँसेलु’ (Ainselu).

The Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus) has a sweet and tangy flavour that is both juicy and refreshing. Its vibrant yellow berries can be eaten fresh or used in jams and desserts. They are also rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them a delicious and nutritious treat!

One specific feature of the Yellow Himalayan Raspberry is that it is often used in traditional medicine for various health benefits, such as treating fevers and digestive issues. However, it can also be invasive, spreading quickly in some areas. 

Leopard Spot Longhorn Beetle (Coptops leucostictica) - Sikkim Beetle

Coptops leucostictica, commonly known as the Leopard Spot Longhorn Beetle or "Chhewar ko kira" in Nepali, is a species of beetle in the Cerambycidae family. First described by White in 1858, this beetle is found in India, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, China, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Vietnam.

It has a distinctive appearance with leopard-like spots on its body. The beetle larvae feed on the Albizia julibrissin tree, also known as the silk tree or mimosa. The feeding habits of the larvae can damage the tree, leading to weakened branches and reduced health of the plant.

Acherontia lachesis (Death's-head Hawkmoth) - Sikkim Moth

Acherontia lachesis (Death's-head Hawkmoth)

Place : Dalapchand, East Sikkim,

Date: October 15, 2011
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Acherontia lachesis (Death's-head Hawkmoth)

Place : Dalapchand, East Sikkim,

Date: October 15, 2011
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Arthropoda

Class:              Insecta

Order:             Lepidoptera

Family:           Sphingidae

Genus:            Acherontia

Species:           A. lachesis

Binomial name:  Acherontia lachesis (Fabricius, 1798)

Other Names:  Bee Robber

Special feature: It is one of the three species of Death's-head Hawkmoth. They are very fond of honey; they can mimic the scent of honey bees so that they can enter a hive unharmed to get honey

Garrulax pectoralis (Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush) - Sikkim Bird

Garrulax pectoralis (Greater Necklaced Laughingthrush)

Place : Chisopani, Singtam, East Sikkim,

Date: May 25, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Chordata

Class:              Aves

Order:            Passeriformes

Family:           Leiothrichidae

Genus:            Garrulax

Species:           G. pectoralis

Binomial name:  Garrulax pectoralis (Gould, 1836)

Other Names:

Special feature:

Phoenicurus ochruros ( Black Redstart - Female) - Sikkim Bird

Phoenicurus ochruros ( Black Redstart - Female)

Place : Chisopani, Singtam, East Sikkim,

Date:February 18  2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Chordata

Class:             Aves

Order:            Passeriformes,

Family:           Muscicapidae

Genus:            Phoenicurus

Species:           P. ochruros

Binomial name:  Phoenicurus ochruros (S. G. Gmelin, 1774)

Other Names: Chocolate Soldier 

Special feature:

Hair-crested drongos: a difference in pigmentation

I came across these two drongo at Sirwani, near Singtam; felt strange about the difference of the beaks. It could be that the yellow pigmentation could be due to immaturity. There is also a difference in the size of the beak.