Ropalidia marginata (Paper Wasp) - Sikkim Wasp

The Paper Wasp, or Ropalidia marginata, belongs to the genus Ropalidia and is part of the order Hymenoptera. This order also includes insects like bees, ants, and traditional wasps. is native to parts of South Asia and is primarily found in countries like India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Within India, it is especially common in the northeastern regions, including Sikkim, where the warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for these wasps to thrive.

These wasps prefer forested areas, gardens, and human settlements, where they can easily find materials for building their nests and food sources. The nests are often found hanging from tree branches, under eaves of houses, or in shrubs, showcasing their adaptability to natural and urban environments.

The Paper Wasp is known for its social behaviour, living in colonies that can consist of many individuals, making them a common sight in their habitats. Their presence is crucial for the ecosystem, as they help control pest populations and contribute to pollination.

Styringomyia sp. - Sikkim Crane Fly

 Styringomyia is a genus of crane fly in the family Limoniidae.

 

Imantocera penicillata - Sikkim Beetle

 

Imantocera penicillata, also known as "Jungli Kira" in Nepali, is a species of beetle in the Cerambycidae family. It was first described by Hope in 1831, initially under the genus Lamia. This beetle is found in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, China, Thailand, Laos, Nepal, and Vietnam.

It is recognized for its long antennae and striking appearance. The beetle is typically seen in forested and wooded areas where it can be observed on trees and plants. Its larvae feed on various types of wood, contributing to the natural process of decomposition and nutrient recycling in the ecosystem.

Himalayan Black Bear rescued from Gangtok

01.04.2020: Himalayan Black Bear was rescued successfully by Forest officials of Government of Sikkim after whole day of operation. Bear was first sighted at BSNL Telephone Exchange office situated at main Gangtok town at 5 AM morning, where the bear had attacked one employee and injured him seriously. Later the victim was send to STNM hospital.

Himalayan Black Bear was tranquilized by the team of professionals from Forest Department and put safely in the cage. As per the sources Bear will be transferred to Himalayan Zoological Park , Bulbulay, East Sikkim.

Genus Spilopelia

Spilopelia is a genus of doves that are closely related to Streptopelia, yet distinguished from them by differences in morphology and behavior. Some authors have argued that Stigmatopelia is the valid name as it appears in an earlier line although also erected by Sundevall, but Schodde and Mason in their zoological catalogue of Australian birds chose Spilopelia citing clause 24(b) of the ICZN Code which supports the decision of the first reviser.

The genus includes just two species:

• Spilopelia chinensis – spotted dove
• Spilopelia senegalensis – laughing dove 

Common Imperial (Cheritra freja) - Sikkim Butterfly

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Animalia

Order:             Lepidoptera

Family:           Lycaenidae

Genus:            Cheritra

Species:           C. freja

Binomial name : Cheritra freja (Fabricius 1793)

Other Names:  Common Imperial

Special feature: Cheritra freja belongs to the gossamer-winged butterflies’ family (Lycaenidae).

Anthogonium gracile ( Slender Anthogonium) - Sikkim Flora

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae

Order:             Asparagales

Family:           Orchidaceae

Genus:            Anthogonium

Species:           A. gracile

Binomial name: Anthogonium gracile Wall. ex Lindl. (1836).

Other Names:  Slender Anthogonium, Anthogonium griffithii, Anthogonium corydaloides

Special feature: Anthogonium is a genus of orchids. At the present time (May 2014), only one species is recognized, i.e., Anthogonium gracile found in India, Assam, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Guangxi, Guizhou, Tibet, and Yunnan.(Source: Wikipedia)

Slender Anthogonium is a deciduous, miniature to medium sized terrestrial orchid found in eastern Himalayas in semi-deciduous and deciduous dry lowland forests. The plants have ovoid pseudobulbs carrying 1-3, deciduous, stalked, narrowly lance-shaped leaves. The plant blooms in fall season on an erect, slender, very long (up to 45 cm), branched or simple, raceme with 10-12 flowers that do not open well. The flowers are pink-purple in color and a strongly remind of Corydalis.

Flower Identified by: Mita Aich

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Senna Alata (candle bush) - Sikkim Flora

Sakyong Chisopani JHS (12.09.22)

Scientific classification

Kingdom:       Plantae

Order:            Fabales

Family:           Fabaceae

Genus:            Senna

Species:           S. Alata

Binomial name : Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poelln.

Other Names:  Cassia alata, Emperor's candlesticks, candle bush, candelabra bush, Christmas candles, empress candle plant, ringworm shrub

Special feature: S. alata is native to most of the Neotropics (from Mexico and the West Indies to Paraguay), and can be found in diverse habitats. In the tropics, it grows up to an altitude of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). It is an invasive species in Austronesia.

The shrub stands 3–4 metres (9.8–13.1 ft) tall, with leaves 50–80 centimetres (20–31 in) long. The leaves close in the dark. The inflorescence looks like a yellow candle. The fruit, shaped like a straight pod, is up to 25 cm long. Its seeds are distributed by water or animals. The seed pods are nearly straight, dark brown or nearly black, about 15 centimetres (5.9 in) long, and 15 millimetres (0.59 in) wide. On both sides of the pods is a wing that runs the length of the pod. Pods contain 50 to 60 flattened, triangular seeds.

Senna alata (also known as Cassia alata) is often called the ringworm bush because of its very effective fungicidal properties, for treating ringworm and other fungal infections of the skin. The leaves are ground in a mortar to obtain a kind of "green cotton wool". This is mixed with the same amount of vegetable oil and rubbed on the affected area two or three times a day. A fresh preparation is made every day. Its active ingredients include yellow chrysophanic acid.

Its laxative effect, due to its anthraquinone content, is also well-proven. Senna alata is locally known as akapulko in the Philippines where it is used as both an ornamental and medicinal plant due to its laxative, purgative and anti-fungal properties. In Sri Lanka, known as Ath-thora, it is used as an ingredient in Sinhala traditional medicine.  (Source: Wikipedia)