Treinopalpus imperialis – Kaiser-i-Hind

Butterflies and moths, belonging to the order Lepidoptera, have a rich history dating back to the Cretaceous period, around 135 million years ago. With approximately 220 thousand species, including nearly 45 thousand butterflies, they are among the most diverse insects on Earth. Tropics, with their lush forests and vibrant flowers, host the richest variety of butterflies.

Despite their delicate appearance, butterflies possess survival strategies such as protective resemblance and mimicry. The kallima butterfly, for example, resembles a decayed leaf when at rest, while the Viceroy butterfly mimics the inedible Monarch to evade predators.

Their sublime beauty has inspired poets and artists across cultures, but many species are now threatened with extinction due to habitat destruction. To raise awareness, stamps featuring endemic butterfly species from the Indian Subcontinent have been issued.

One such species is Teinopalpus imperialis, also known as Kaiser-e-Hind. It belongs to the Swallowtail group and is known for its swift flight and distinctive forked tail-like protuberances on its hindwings. Found in Sikkim, Assam, and surrounding areas, it prefers open mountain areas with dense forests. The females are slightly larger than males and have three wing-tails instead of one.

In addition to Teinopalpus imperialis, stamps also depict other endemic species such as Stichophthalma camadeva, Cethosia biblis, and Cyrestis achates, showcasing the diverse and exquisite beauty of butterflies in the Indian Subcontinent.