Erebomorpha fulgirita - Sikkim Moth

Erebomorha fulgurita

Place : Shantinagar, Singtam, East Sikkim,

Date:May 10, 2008
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:            Animalia

Phylum:               Arthropoda

Class:                   Insecta

Order:                  Lepidoptera

Family:                 Geometridae

Genus:                  Erebomorpha

Species:                E. fulgirita

Binomial name: Erebomorpha fulgirita

Other Names:

Special feature:

Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant) - Sikkim Flora

Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant)

Venue: Ever Green Nursery, Rhenock,  East Sikkim

Date: April 9, 2010

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Nepenthes khasiana (Indian Pitcher Plant)

Venue: Ever Green Nursery, Rhenock,  East Sikkim

Date: April 9, 2010

Nepenthes khasiana, commonly known as the Indian Pitcher Plant, is a fascinating carnivorous plant native to the northeastern region of India, particularly in Meghalaya. This species is the only one of its genus found in India and is distinguished by its unique pitcher-shaped leaves. These specialized leaves are adapted to trap and digest insects and other small organisms, providing the plant with essential nutrients, especially in nutrient-poor soil conditions.

The pitchers of Nepenthes khasiana are typically green with red speckles and can grow up to 25 centimeters long. They produce a sweet-smelling nectar that attracts prey. Once an insect enters the pitcher, it becomes trapped by the slippery inner walls and drowns in the digestive fluids at the bottom.

Due to habitat loss and over-collection, Nepenthes khasiana is classified as a vulnerable species. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this unique and ecologically important plant, ensuring its survival in the wild.

Lophura nycthemera (Silver Pheasant) - Sikkim Bird

Lophura nycthemera (Silver Pheasant)

Venue: Himalayan Zoological Park,  Gangtok,  East Sikkim

Date: October 10, 2009

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Lophura nycthemera (Silver Pheasant)

Venue: Himalayan Zoological Park,  Gangtok,  East Sikkim

Date: October 10, 2009

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Chordata

Class:              Aves

Order:             Galliformes

Family:           Phasianidae

Subfamily:     Phasianinae

Genus:            Lophura

Species:           L. nycthemera

Binomial name: Lophura nycthemera (Linnaeus, 1758)

Other Names:  silver pheasant,

Special feature: The male is black and white, while the female is mainly brown. Both sexes have a bare red face and red legs (Source: Wikipedia)

Tragopan satyra (Satyr tragopan) - Sikkim Bird

Tragopan satyra (Satyr tragopan)

Venue: Himalayan Zoological Park,  Gangtok,  East Sikkim

Date: June 28, 2014

Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Phylum:          Chordata

Class:              Aves

Order:            Galliformes

Family:           Phasianidae

Subfamily:     Phasianinae

Genus:            Tragopan satyra

Species:           T. satyra

Binomial name: Tragopan satyra (Linnaeus, 1758)

Other Names:  crimson horned pheasant, satyr tragopan

Special feature: It falls under Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)

Females are brown. Males are usually red with blue, black, and white spots and freckles. (Source: Wikipedia)

Xystrocera globosa (Monkey-pod Borer) - Sikkim Beetle

Xystrocera globosa, also known as the monkey-pod borer or "imli ko kira" in Nepali, is a species of beetle in the family Cerambycidae. It was first described by the French entomologist Guillaume-Antoine Olivier in 1795. This beetle is widely distributed across tropical Asia and infests monkey-pod trees (Samanea saman) and other leguminous trees.

The adult beetle is around 25-30 mm long, with a shiny, metallic greenish-blue body. The larvae bore into the stems and branches of the trees, causing significant damage by disrupting the flow of nutrients and water, which leads to weakened or dead branches.

Trees infested with this borer often show symptoms like wilting leaves and dieback. Effective management involves regular monitoring and removing infected parts to prevent the spread of the larvae.