Tamil yeoman butterfly
Image: M S SOORYA (CC0)
Common NameTamil yeoman butterfly
Scientific NameCirrochroa thais
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, often near water bodies
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, primarily India (especially Western Ghats and South India) and Sri Lanka
Host PlantsHydnocarpus pentandra, Scolopia crenata
Flight PeriodYear-round, with increased abundance after monsoon seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsKey features include its bright orange wings with a pattern of small black spots and the characteristic wavy black margins. The underside is paler with similar markings.
Description
A medium-sized, vibrant orange butterfly adorned with several small black spots across its wings and distinctive wavy black borders on both forewings and hindwings.
