Butterflies ‹‹ Go Back

This species that belongs to the Danaid group of the Nymphalidae family is commonly found through out the South and Southeast Asian countries. Nine sub species have been recognised and the subspecies that occur in Sri Lanka is referred to as Tirumala limniace leopardus.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species throughout the country. The highest altitude at which I have observed it so far is at the Meemure village in the Knuckles Forest Reserve. I have seen it in the Jaffna peninsula as well as in the Mannar Island. It is very common in the drier parts of the country and less abundant in the wet zone.

These butterflies are attracted to the drying up Eth Honda Heliotropium indicum plants.  These plants can be found in abundance at most dry zone lakeshores and most are covered with these butterflies.

The females of this species lay their eggs on a species vine called Sneeze Wort Dregia volubilis. In Ayurveda medicine the liquid that emanates from the roots of this vine is inserted to the patients nose to case sneezing.

This is a common species in Wilpattu and can be seen in most open localities of the park.