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