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This small butterfly is found in the dry lowlands wherever its host plant, the Common Emetic is found. It is found throughout the Indomalaya region.

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

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

What is most interesting about this species is its breeding behaviour which is quite unique. The only known host plant of this species is the Common Emetic Catunaregam spinosa. This is a native species and referred to as “Kukuruman” in Sinhala. It is found in most dry zone national parks in the island. The females of this species lay its eggs on the calyx of the flower of a young fruit of this species. The tiny caterpillar, upon emerging from the egg, will immediately bore a hole in to the soft pulp of the fruit. It will continue to feed on the seeds and the pulp of the fruit. As this would result in the fruit falling off the tree the caterpillars would creep out of the fruit at night and spin silk produced by them tying the stem of the fruit to the branch. This is done each night to ensure that the life-giving fruit is intact to the tree. After a few days the caterpillar will form itself into a chrysalis and will get attached to the top of the dying fruit from inside. It will remain inside until the metamorphosis in complete in the safety of the protective casing. The butterfly that emerges from the chrysalis will quickly creep out of the hole made by the caterpillar before its wings open, as it would otherwise trap the insect inside the fruit. As to how this tiny insect with their pinhead sized brains figured out this process to ensure their survival is one of the most remarkable observations I have experienced in nature. Interestingly a butterfly of the same genus the Common Guava Blue have a similar relationship with Wood Apple as well. The dried fruits observed by people under these trees with the inside empty and referred to as those swallowed by elephants are in fact fruits used by the Common Guava Blue.

This is a seldom seen butterfly in Wilpattu. The best way to photograph them would be to carefully observe the Common Emetic trees which are found throughout the park.