STATUS OF RAPALA SELIRA (MOORE) (LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE) WITH NOTES OF VARIATIONS IN GENITALIA AND WING VENATION FROM THE NORTH-WEST HIMALAYA IN INDIA

During the survey cum collection tours undertaken in the Himalaya in India, the Himalayan Red Flash, Rapala selira (Moore) has been reported from different localities between an altitude range of 1700 m to 2960 m in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The most important diagnostic taxonomic character, the external male and female genitalia have been investigated in detail and have been found showing certain variations. Similarly, wing maculation and venation too exhibit individual variations. The species has been found to be quite rare in Mussoorie and Kumaon in the Himalaya, from where it has been reported to be common by earlier workers.