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This is a Licaenidae butterfly, which is found in the central parts and northern parts of the island. Other than Sri Lanka it is found only in India.
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.
Other than at Wilpattu I have seen this butterfly in Mannar, Nawadankulama and Anawilundawa. The host plants on which this butterfly lays its eggs include the common parasitic plant Honey Suckel Misletoe Dendrophthoe falcate (Pilila (S)) and the endemic parasitic plant Dendrophthoe ligulatus (Thwaites) Tiegh. Both these plants are found in Wilpattu.
This is not a rare butterfly at Wilpattu and I have seen it on many occasions flying about close to its host plants.