Sikkim Biodiversity: Where nature smiles
A Photo Blog by Shital Pradhan, Sikkim (Since 2014)
Monday 30 September 2024
Physalis peruviana (Cape Gooseberry) - Sikkim Flora
Sunday 21 July 2024
Xystrocera dispar (mango stem borer) - Sikkim Beetle
This boring disrupts the flow of nutrients and water, leading to
weakened or dead branches. Infested trees often show signs like wilting leaves
and dieback. Managing this pest involves regular monitoring and removing
infected parts of the tree to prevent the spread of the larvae.
Monday 24 June 2024
Batocera rufomaculata (Fig borer) - Sikkim Beetle
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.
Saturday 22 June 2024
Oligodon albocinctus (ight Barred Kukri Snake) - Sikkim Snake
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.
Thursday 21 September 2023
Lilium longiflorum ( Easter lily) - Sikkim Flora
Dogeythang Primary School |
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.
Saturday 26 August 2023
daddy longlegs - Sikkim Insect
Daddy
longlegs, which belong to the Opiliones Order are creatures known for their
appearance. Despite their name they are not spiders. These fascinating
creatures have a body structure that sets them apart, from arachnids – a fused
body segment.
Daddy
longlegs have a body and four pairs of slender legs. Unlike spiders they don't
have venom glands or silk producing structures. Their diet consists mainly of
decaying matter, insects and plant materials as they play an important role in
ecosystems by aiding in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient
recycling. Importantly daddy longlegs pose no threat, to humans as they lack
venom or fangs.
Monday 16 January 2023
Agave attenuata (Fox tail agave) - Sikkim Flora
Scientific classification