Common Nawab
Common NameCommon Nawab
Scientific NamePolyura athamas
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsbrown, pale green
HabitatForests, open woodlands, forest edges, often near streams
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsAlbizia, Acacia, Schleichera oleosa, Grewia
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a distinctive horned head capsule, and pupae are green and suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad pale green band on the brown underside of the wings and the prominent tails on the hindwings. Its flight is typically very fast and powerful.
Description
This butterfly has a rich brown underside with a broad, iridescent pale green band extending across both forewings and hindwings. Its hindwings feature prominent, pointed tails.
