Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka

L
LC
Mime Papilio clytia
Blue Bottle Graphium sarpedon
M
LC
Papilionidae
Form clytia
Form dissimilis
Both sexes occur in two forms. Form dissimilis: mimics blue-coloured Tigers.
Colouration is black and white throughout the wings, on both sides. A sub-marginal
row of “^” shaped markings, lower bifid endings on white lines and an orange spot at
the anal angle are marked features apparent on the upper surface of its hind wing.
These markings are prominent on its underside with an additional, marginal row of
orange-coloured spots. Form clytia: mimics Crows. They are brown in colour, with
markings towards the outer margins as in the previous form.
The sexes are similar. It has a narrow forewing and a serrated outer margin on its hind
wing which extends into a short tail at the tornus. The upper surface of its wings is
blackish brown with a median blue band divided into rectangular patches by black
veins. The patches towards the forewing apex have a greenish tinge. A sub-marginal
band of crescent shaped patches are present on its hind wing. Blue markings are
visible in a similar manner on its underside, on a chocolate brown background with
additional red patches on the hind wing.
Papilionidae
The Mime mimics the habits of its models. They have a slow, reckless flight pattern but
if alarmed, they escape in their usual fast papilionid flight. They typically rest in closed
wing position as Danaids. They hover when feeding on flowers, but not in a rapid
manner as seen in other Papilionids.
The Blue Bottle is a very fast flier who regularly flies at canopy level in low forests. It visits
canopy flowers and sometimes descends to shrubs like Hedyotis fruticosa (jerKsh). It
is rapid even at feeding, quickly jumping from flower to flower and returning to the
same one again. It is regularly seen at hill tops where others are absent due to excess
wind. Males engage in mud puddling, typically alone or in a group of 2-3.
Like their models, the Mime is found in open vegetation. It can be seen in home
gardens and thin forests, but is not too fond of scrublands where its models are
abundant. It is common in the lowlands.
It is commonly found in damp, densely wooded areas in the wet zone. It is occasionally
found in the dry zone, but always in wet habitats, and especially in the rainy season.
42 Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
LFPs: Litsea glutinosa (fnda ó) – most preferable, Neolitsea cassia (ojq,a l=re÷),
Cinnamomum verum (l=re÷), Litsea longifolia (r;a lE,sh)
LFPs: Neolitsea cassia (ojq,a
stenophylla (ksl ojq,)
l=re÷q), Cinnamomum verum (l=re÷), Actinodaphne
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka 43