Category : Butterflies Share
Scientific Name : Papilio demoleus Linnaeus
Created By: Abhishek Bhor, Department of Botany, Annasaheb Awate Arts, Commerce and Hutatma Babu Genu Science College, Manchar
Created On: 16-09-2022
Specimen Information
Common Name(s):लिंबाळी, Lime Butterfly
Synonym(s): Papilio demodocus Papilio erithonioides
Family: Papilionidae
Status: LC
Description
Physical Characteristics The sexes are similar, with an elongated forewing and rounded hindwing found in both sexes. The yellow patches become duller in older butterflies. The size of the red patch on its hindwing at the anal angle varies, sometimes leaving a black area between the red patch and blue line. The blue line near the upper margin of the hindwing is usually concealed. This line is distinct on the underside, with a light orange coloured centre. There are similar patches on the central part of the hindwing. Habits The Lime Butterfly resembles a Pierid due to its very fast flight around noon and its colouration. This scrubland dwelling butterfly loves the sun very much and it immediately descends down in to a thicket when the sun is covered by a cloud. Male Lime Butterflies can be seen mud puddling. This is a migratory species. Habitats and Distribution This species is most abundant in dry scrubland habitats, but can also be commonly seen in the wet zone. Although it does not seem to have breeding populations at higher elevations, these have been observed during their migratory flight.
