Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka

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Sri Lankan Birdwing Troides darsius
Crimson Rose Pachliopta hector
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LC
Papilionidae
Male
Female
Male: Jet black throughout on both sides; large golden yellow patch on the hind
wing separated by black veins. Female: Typically bigger than the male; chalky black
butterfly with white dustings beside the forewing veins; a variable golden yellow
patch on the hind wing is reduced to form a separate, central patch and a submarginal
row of patches. Distinct red patches on the thorax are seen in both sexes.
The Sri Lankan Birdwing flies very high in strong wing beats. While this butterfly is fond
of feeding on flowers at higher levels, it will occasionally descend down to flowers at
lower levels even though it does not typically fly within this range. A special attraction
to Mussaenda frondosa (uqiaiekao) flowers has been observed. Females prefer to lay
eggs on high-climbing vines. This is a migrant species.
Both sexes are similar in pattern, but the females are quite big and dull in colouration.
The Crimson Rose is a black butterfly with two white bands on the forewing and two
rows of bright crimson patches on the hind wing. The shapes of the crimson patches
vary. The outer margin is serrated and the tornus extends in to a tail in the hind
wing. Its abdomen, thorax and head always have crimson patches. These patches are
reduced in females.
The Crimson Rose visits the flowers of scrubs and some varieties of taller herbs, in
groups. They are quite dormant and stop over at flowers near the ground in the early
hours of the day, but become very active towards noon. Occasionally they can be
seen mud puddling in small numbers. This is a migratory species.
Papilionidae
This butterfly prefers forested areas, but also can be seen in lush home gardens. It is
a common butterfly in the low country wet zone, becoming scarce towards the hills
and dry zone.
This endemic species is the national butterfly of Sri Lanka.
LFPs: Its sole LFP is Aristolochia indica (imai|).
This butterfly inhabits open vegetation; scrublands being the most preferred. It is
abundant in such habitats in the dry zone during the season. It is occasionally seen in
the low country wet zone but never in large numbers. Very rarely some can be seen at
higher elevations in migratory flight.
LFPs: Aristolochia indica (imai|), Aristolochia bracteolata – preferred in the northwestern
region, Aristolochia ringens (;drdu,a)
34 Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka 35