Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka

Acknowledgements
Contents
The author wishes to thank the following people for their invaluable contributions
to this field guide:
Sarath Rajapakshe for the photos used in this publication for the Red helen, Common
Grass Yellow, Sri Lankan Tree Nymph, Baron, Great Eggfly, Common Bush Brown,
Tawny Rajah, Ceylon Silverline, Common Hedge Blue, Common Pierrot, Plains Cupid,
Sri Lankan Tiger, Ormiston’s Oak Blue, Sri Lankan Cerulean and drawings of Sri Lankan
Indigo Royal and Sri Lankan Clouded Silverline.
Sarath Rajapkshe and Chamitha De Alwis, the co-authors of “A pocket Guide to the
butterflies of Sri Lanka”: the work done for this pocket guide allowed for the speedy
completion of this publication.
Dr. Michael Van der Pootern for his valuable guidance and encouragement on
studying butterflies.
Dr. Nirmalee Pallewatte for her valuable insight and reviewing this publication.
Dilmah Conservation for providing this worthwhile opportunity towards encouraging
further study on Sri Lankan butterflies.
All those who share their field observations to enrich the information available on
various species of butterflies.
Foreward 08
Preface 09
Acknowledgements 10
1. Introduction 13
2. Life Cycle 15
2.1 Egg 16
2.2 Larva (caterpillar) 16
2.2.1 Food 17
2.2.2 Protective Mechanisms 18
2.3 Pupa 18
2.4 Adult Butterfly (Imago) 20
2.4.1 Food 21
2.4.2 Protective Mechanisms 21
2.4.3 Mating 22
3. Butterflies of Sri Lanka 23
3.1 List of Butterflies of Sri Lanka 23
3.2 Distribution of Butterflies in Sri Lanka 29
3.3 Threats to Butterflies and Their Conservation 31
3.4 The Study of Butterflies 31
3.5 How to use this Book 32
4. Descriptions of Butterflies 33
5. Endemic Butterflies of Sri Lanka 134
6. Larval Food Plants of Butterflies 138
References 172
Index 174
Scientific Names 174
Common Names 175
10 Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka 11