New Delhi: Butterfly lovers and lepidopterists , working around Delhi’s Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary , have been in a fix for the last couple of weeks after a number of anomalies were detected in the ‘patterns’ of Red Pierrot — a butterfly commonly found in the Indian subcontinent.At least four variations in its patterns have been detected so far, forcing the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to launch a study to find out the reasons why this may be happening.Sohail Madan, centre manager of BNHS at Asola said the variations could indicate a new sub-species, or it may simply be an evolutionary change. The reason, however, needs to be analysed. “The study will take place from Monday and we have asked for butterfly enthusiasts and experts to help us during the survey. So far, at least four variations have been detected in the patterns with the orange and the black markings either increasing or decreasing on its wings,” Madan said.“Most butterflies have a winter form and a summer form. This particular butterfly has just one form and the markings are well defined. However, we are seeing a lot of variations in the orange and black markings, which could either indicate an evolutionary change, or it could even be sub-species,” Madan said.According to the centre manager of BNHS, out of the 70-80 Red Pierrot butterflies recorded on Friday alone, almost 50% had anomalies. “The change in pattern does not seem to have affected the population and they are thriving at Asola. We saw around 34-35 such butterflies with variations in the pattern and a detailed study and sample survey should help us come to a conclusion,” Madan added.The study will take a look at the lower stages of development, beginning from the caterpillar and its diet to determine what may be leading to the change in its designs. Delhi had seen 75 different butterfly species recorded in this year’s annual butterfly count — an increase from 69 species recorded last year.Peter Smetacek, a lepidopterist said the variations could primarily be adaptive changes or signs of the butterfly coping with the cold. “Red Pierrot, earlier found in south India, has colonised Delhi and even moved up north to places like Kashmir. The difference in temperatures up north as compared to southern and Peninsular India could be the reason behind the change,” he said .