Black Rajah
Common NameBlack Rajah
Scientific NameCharaxes psaphon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsgrey, black, yellow, orange
HabitatMoist deciduous and evergreen forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern India, Sri Lanka
Host PlantsAglaia elaeagnoidea, Acronychia pedunculata, Toddalia asiatica
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a distinctive horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive greyish-white ground color with strong black markings, the row of yellow-orange submarginal spots on the hindwings, and the two short tails. Its rapid and powerful flight is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with greyish-white wings marked by prominent black lines and bands, and a series of yellow-orange spots on the hindwings. It possesses two short tails on each hindwing.
