Sikkim Moth Month

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Zephyranthes candida (white rain lily) - Sikkim Flora

Zephyranthes candida (white rain lily)

Place : Science Cantre, Marchak, Ranipool, East Sikkim
Date: May 25, 2014
Pic: Shital Pradhan

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae

Phylum:          Angiosperms

Class:             

Order:            Asparagales

Family:           Amaryllidaceae

Genus:            Zephyranthes

Species:           Z. candida

Binomial name: Zephyranthes candida (Lindl.) Herb.

Other Names:  August rain lily, white zephyr lily, Peruvian swamp-lily, white fairy lily, and autumn zephyr lily.

Special feature: It is a species of rain lily native to South America including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil.

Zephyranthes candida was first described by John Lindley in 1823 as Amaryllis candida. It was transferred to its current genus in 1826 by William Herbert. (Source: Wikipedia)

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)