CHHATTISGARH: Chhattisgarh is set to get its first official state butterfly, with the Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus) emerging as the winner of a public online poll.
The proposal was finalised at the 15th meeting of the State Wildlife Board and forwarded to the state government for formal notification.
The Orange Oakleaf is known for its remarkable camouflage. With its wings folded, it closely resembles a dry, withered leaf. When it spreads its wings, it reveals bright orange, jet-black and deep velvety blue colours.
The online poll was conducted through a Google Form from July 31 to August 31, 2026. Of the 5,813 votes cast, the Orange Oakleaf secured 3,000, beating the Common Banded Peacock, which received 1,606 votes, and the Spot Swordtail, which polled 1,207.
An expert panel shortlisted the three finalists based on their ecological significance, presence across the state, ease of identification, conservation value, distinctiveness and public appeal.
The evaluation and vote-counting committee comprised Sanjeeta Gupta, Chairperson and Managing Director of the State Minor Forest Produce Federation; V. Matheswaran, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests; Gaurav Nihlani, a member of the State Wildlife Board; Anupam Singh Sisodiya, a butterfly expert; and Hitnarayan Tandon, Assistant Professor at Sant Guru Ghasidas Government College, Kurud, and a butterfly expert.
A statewide biodiversity survey conducted in 2025 documented 201 butterfly species native to Chhattisgarh. India is estimated to be home to around 1,500 butterfly species.
Once the state government grants formal approval, Chhattisgarh will join eight other states and one Union Territory that have designated official state butterflies.
Maharashtra pioneered the initiative in 2015 by adopting the Blue Mormon. Karnataka chose the Southern Birdwing, Kerala the Malabar Banded Peacock, Tamil Nadu the Tamil Yeoman and Goa the Malabar Tree Nymph.
In the Himalayan region, Uttarakhand designated the Common Peacock and Arunachal Pradesh the Kaiser-i-Hind. Madhya Pradesh also has the Orange Oakleaf as its state butterfly, while Chandigarh has adopted the Striped Tiger.