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This is a rare species of butterfly that belong to the Lucanidae family found at altitudes below 600 meters throughout the country. It is found in the Indomalaya region of the world. Nine subspecies have been recognized and Catapaecilma major myosotina is native to Sri Lanka.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Endangered” (National Red List 2012).

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

On the 20th July 2024 at 2.29am I was at Wilpattu National Park and observed a small butterfly that was flying about a Red Honey Suckle Mistletoe Dendrophthoe falcate plant growing on one of the bushes at Nelum Wila Pitiya. This parasitic plant species is commonly referred to as “Pilila” in Sinhala. I have regularly observed Peacock Royal, a fast-flying species of butterfly frequenting these plants on which they lay their eggs. The erratic slow flight, size, and the colouration of this small butterfly was quite different. Thus, I decided to take a closer look using my binoculars. Within a few minutes the butterfly settled on a leaf, and I could hardly believe my luck as it was a Common Tinsel Catapaecilma major myosotina, a species that I have been looking for more than three decades. Despite its name the subspecies that is found in the country is very rare and is endemic. This beautiful butterfly with its characteristic glistening silver markings and hairy legs lays its eggs close to the nests of Crematogaster dohrni, an arboreal ant species with which they have formed a symbiotic relationship. Upon hatching out the larva will feed on the leaves of its host plant species but will always shelter inside the ant nests thereby avoiding predators. These ants are known to be very attentive in protecting the tiny larva and are rewarded by a sugary liquid produced by the larva. I observed this butterfly for some time and observed that it was laying eggs close to the few ant nests that was found along the stems of this “Pilila” bush.

The larva is known to feed on Common Guava Psidium guajava, Charcole Tree (Gadumba) Trema orientalis and Spinous Kino Tree (Keta Kela) Bridelia retusa

This is a rarely seen species at Wilpattu. Since the above sighting I observed another specimen at Kombansanchaipooval sand patch in October 2024.