Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
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S<br />
EN<br />
Baronet Symphaedra nais<br />
Baron Euthalia aconthea<br />
M<br />
EN<br />
Nymphalidae<br />
The upper side is bright orange. The white colour <strong>of</strong> its cilia is distinct due to the<br />
contrasting black border on the outer margins <strong>of</strong> both wings. The spots on the submarginal<br />
row <strong>of</strong> its hind wing convert into an irregular line on the forewing. The<br />
other black markings on forewing vary. Its underside is more variable than the upper<br />
surface. The purplish tinge on its hind wing also varies. The white oblique band is<br />
entirely absent on its hind wing and is reduced in the forewing <strong>of</strong> some individuals.<br />
Each cell has two red patches outlined in black which are circular on the hind wing.<br />
The tips <strong>of</strong> its antenna and proboscis are yellowish in colour.<br />
The Baronet eagerly feeds on the juice <strong>of</strong> fruits. Dozens attracted to fallen berries can<br />
be seen under Drypetes sepiaria (ùr) trees. They are also attracted to human sweat.<br />
Males engage in mud puddling. These butterflies tolerate disturbances to a great<br />
extent when they are feeding.<br />
The tips <strong>of</strong> its antennae are reddish and its proboscis is greenish yellow in colour.<br />
The male is much smaller than the female. Male: The upper side has variegated<br />
brilliant metallic sheens <strong>of</strong> green that fade with age. The sheen also differs according<br />
to the angle <strong>of</strong> viewing. The basal parts are darker than the distal area and the outer<br />
margins are marked in greenish brown. Both cells have markings on dark lines. The<br />
white patches beyond the forewing cell vary. The underside is flushed in dull white.<br />
There are black lines on its cells and a row <strong>of</strong> sub-marginal black spots on both wings.<br />
Female: The upper side is brown with a slight purplish sheen on its hind wing and a<br />
green sheen on its forewing. The forewing has an oblique band <strong>of</strong> white patches. The<br />
underside is similar to that <strong>of</strong> a male, except that it has a white band on its forewing.<br />
The fast flying Baron eagerly feeds on fruits. They visit fruits both on trees and on the<br />
ground and flies at all the levels without any particular preference.<br />
Male<br />
Female<br />
Nymphalidae<br />
This is purely a savannah grassland species. It is quite common in those habitats<br />
during the rainy season but diminishes in numbers due to excessive man-made forest<br />
fires.<br />
This butterfly is common in home gardens since their larval food plants are commonly<br />
available. It is distributed throughout the country, but become scarce towards the<br />
hills.<br />
LFPs: Its sole larval food plant is Diospyros melanoxylon (îä fld< .ia$l=vqïfíßh)<br />
LFPs: Anacardium occidentale (lcq), Mangifera indica (wU), Nothopegia beddomei (n,)<br />
80 <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> 81