Butterflies ‹‹ Go Back

This is a small, fast flying, butterfly that belong to the Lycanidae family. There are seven species that belong to the Genus Spindasis found in the country and this is the smallest of them all. They are all exquisitely coloured very fast flying butterflies. Other than in Sri Lanka this species is also found in India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Lest Concerned (National Red List 2012) and it is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this butterfly at many locations in the dry and the intermediate zone of the country including Mannar, Nawadankulama, Anavilundawa and Maligavila.

While feeding it usually will come exceedingly obliging and would not only permit the photographer to get very close but also to turn and twist any leaves or twigs that may be obstruct the view.

The females of this species are known to lay their eggs on Wel Penela Cardiospurmum halicacabum vines, Tanner Cassia (Ranawara)  senna auriculata and Masang Ziziphus mauritiana. Ranawara is a very common species of flowering plant seen throughout Wilpattu.

In Wilpattu I have seen this species at Kukulkatuwa, Nelum Wila, Eluwankulama, Pallekandal Pitiya, Pukkulama, Mullikulama and at Kudiramale Point.