Common Nawab
Image: Vml 944 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCommon Nawab
Scientific NamePolyura athamas
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorswhite, green, yellow, black, red, blue
HabitatForests, forest edges, open woodlands, often near streams
Geographic RangeSouth Asia and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsAlbizia, Acacia, Grewia, Pithecellobium, Adenanthera, Caesalpinia
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, generally April to November in India, year-round in some tropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsKey features include the four prominent tails on each hindwing, the broad white band across both wings (visible on both upper and underside), and the specific pattern of green, yellow, black, red, and blue markings on the hindwing underside, particularly the row of red spots.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with a striking underside pattern featuring broad white and greenish-yellow bands, intricate black lines, and a distinctive row of red and blue spots near the four prominent tails on each hindwing.
