Chhattisgarh Declares Orange Oakleaf as First State Butterfly
Chhattisgarh has officially declared the Orange Oakleaf, scientifically known as Kallima inachus, as its first State Butterfly following a public online poll. The initiative was finalized by the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board and highlights the state's rich biodiversity.
What happened
The Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Department under State Forest Minister Kedar Kashyap initiated the selection process for the state's first official butterfly. An expert panel shortlisted three finalist species based on ecological significance, statewide presence, conservation value, ease of identification, distinctiveness, and public appeal.
A public online poll conducted via Google Form from July 31 to August 31, 2026, recorded a total of 5,813 votes. The Orange Oakleaf emerged as the winner with 3,000 votes, followed by the Common Banded Peacock with 1,606 votes and the Spot Swordtail with 1,207 votes. The proposal was finalized during the 15th meeting of the Chhattisgarh State Wildlife Board before being forwarded for formal notification.
Important dates
| Public Poll Start Date | 31 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| Public Poll Closing Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Declaration Date | 2 November 2026 |
📌 Static GK links
- Chhattisgarh Formation Date: 1 November 2000
- Chhattisgarh Capital: Raipur
- Chhattisgarh Chief Minister: Vishnu Deo Sai
- Chhattisgarh Governor: Ramen Deka
What candidates should do
- Note down the scientific name and family of the Orange Oakleaf for static GK and environment questions in SSC and State PSC exams.
- Memorize the other state that shares this butterfly emblem, which is Madhya Pradesh.
- Revise the basic static GK parameters of Chhattisgarh including its formation date, capital, and current leadership.
PrepZen analysis
The official designation of a State Butterfly is a significant step toward acknowledging regional biodiversity and raising awareness about insect conservation. For competitive exam aspirants, questions regarding state symbols, scientific names, and environment-related current affairs frequently appear in UPSC, State PSC, and SSC examinations. Candidates should note that the Orange Oakleaf now holds dual recognition as the State Butterfly for both Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Practice questions
Q1. Which species has been declared as the first State Butterfly of Chhattisgarh?
Q2. What is the scientific name of the Orange Oakleaf butterfly?
Q3. Which other state shares the Orange Oakleaf as its designated State Butterfly?
Its scientific name is Kallima inachus.
Orange Oakleaf is also Madhya Pradesh's State Butterfly.
🎯 Key Point: Chhattisgarh declares Orange Oakleaf as its first State Butterfly.
FAQs
What is the scientific name of the Orange Oakleaf?
The scientific name of the Orange Oakleaf is Kallima inachus.
How was the State Butterfly of Chhattisgarh selected?
It was selected through a public online poll conducted via Google Form from July 31 to August 31, 2026, where the Orange Oakleaf received 3,000 out of 5,813 total votes.
Which other state has the Orange Oakleaf as its State Butterfly?
The Orange Oakleaf is also the State Butterfly of Madhya Pradesh.
How many native butterfly species were documented in Chhattisgarh during the 2025 biodiversity survey?
A statewide biodiversity survey in 2025 documented 201 native butterfly species across Chhattisgarh.
Which department launched the initiative to select Chhattisgarh's first State Butterfly?
The initiative was launched by the Chhattisgarh Forest and Climate Change Department.
Sources and references
- newindianexpress.com (www.newindianexpress.com)
- drishtiias.com (www.drishtiias.com)
- shankariasparliament.com (www.shankariasparliament.com)
- ambitiousbaba.com (ambitiousbaba.com)
Prepared by PrepZen for exam preparation. Consult the linked sources for original announcements and current details. Corrections policy. Spotted an error? Write to prepzen.app@gmail.com.
Practice Quiz — 2 November 2026
Q1. Who did Dinesh V. Ganvir succeed as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI)?
Q2. According to Worth a Journey's "World's 100 Best Museums 2026" list, what is the global and Asian ranking of the Bihar Museum?
Q3. The Nelakondapalli Buddhist Stupa, planned for international heritage development by the Telangana government, is located in which district?
Q4. On which date was the National Zoological Park (NZP) formally inaugurated?
Q5. What is the scientific name of the Orange Oakleaf, recently declared as Chhattisgarh's first State Butterfly?
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