Tamil Yeoman
Image: Lakshmiprajath (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameTamil Yeoman
Scientific NameCirrochroa thais
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange, black, brown
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, near streams
Geographic RangeSouthern India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia
Host PlantsFlacourtia indica, Flacourtia montana, Smilax zeylanica
Flight PeriodYear-round, peaking after monsoons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in characteristic strings on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and dark, feeding on Flacourtia and Smilax species. Pupae are camouflaged. The image shows eggs that have been parasitized, a common occurrence in their lifecycle.
Identification TipsLook for its bright orange upperside with a broad black apical band on the forewing and a series of black submarginal spots on both wings, combined with a mottled brown and silver underside.
Description
The Tamil Yeoman is a medium-sized butterfly with vibrant orange wings featuring prominent black borders, spots, and lines on the upperside, while its underside is a mottled brown and silver for camouflage.
