Butterflies ‹‹ Go Back

This fast-flying Pieridae butterfly is one of the most common species found throughout the low country up to mid hills and ascends the hills during the migrant season. They are found in Asia and Australia.

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.

This is one of the main species found in continuous flights of butterflies seen in lowland jungles. The Lemon Emigrant join other species such as the Lesser Albatross butterflies in the dry lowlands to form the streams of butterflies that fly along the roads and settle on damp patches in open areas such as tank beds and dry stream beds. The pilgrims to Adams peak upon seeing such flights believe that the butterflies are flying up to pay homage to the footprint found at the top of the peak. Many species of butterflies will fly up mountains since the smaller area on top makes it easy to find their mates. This adaptation is referred to as “hill topping”. The female Lemon Emigrants lay eggs on native as well as introduced species of flora which include Golden Shower Tree (E), Ehala (S) Cassia fistula, Pink Shower Tree Cassia grandis Rathu Wa (S) Cassia roxburghii, Singapooru Ehela (S) Senna surattensis, Eth Thora (S) Senna alata

This is a very common species in Wilpattu and can be seen throughout the park.