Tawny Rajah
Common NameTawny Rajah
Scientific NameCharaxes psaphon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCharaxinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorstawny, brown
HabitatTropical evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, open woodlands, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern India, Sri Lanka
Host PlantsAglaia elaeagnoidea, Acronychia pedunculata, Cinnamomum camphora, Grewia tiliifolia, Toddalia asiatica
Flight PeriodYear-round, with peak abundance during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture and a distinctive horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended head-down.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its uniform tawny-brown underside with fine, dark wavy striations and the characteristic pointed forewings and slightly scalloped hindwings. The small white submarginal spots on the hindwing are also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a rich tawny-brown underside, featuring intricate darker wavy lines across both wings and a series of small white spots along the hindwing margin. Its wings are angled and somewhat pointed, characteristic of the Rajah group.
