Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka

S
LC
Rustic Cupha erymanthis
Leopard Phalanta phalantha
S
LC
Nymphalidae
The sexes are alike. A lighter median band can be distinguished on the upper side of
the forewing in this variously orange-tinged butterfly. The forewing apex and outer
margin are dark brown in colour. Both wings are marked in various patterns of dark
brown, which are more numerous on the hind wing. The colour and pattern of its
underside vary to a great extent. The under surface is always lighter in colour than
the upper surface. The numbers of white markings varies, and are sometimes entirely
absent on the forewing. These markings form an irregular band. Its eyes have a pale
greenish-yellow tinge.
The Rustic prefers to bask with its wings partially open in sun beams which filter down
through the canopy to the shrubbery of forest. Males suck on minerals from sand
beds in streams but are not fond of mud patches. This is a migratory species.
This is a forest-loving species and appears regularly, but not in great numbers, in those
habitats in the wet and intermediate zones. It is also appears in verdant gardens in the
vicinity of forests. It is rarely seen in the hill country.
The sexes are alike. The background colour of its upper surface is uniformly orange and
variously marked in dark brown patches and streaks which are scattered throughout
the wings. The outer margins and forewing apex are not entirely coloured in dark
brown. The colour and pattern of the underside vary. The background colour takes on
various shades of pale orange, with a purplish tinge apparent in some newly emerged
individuals. Some individuals also have a median band of diffused white patches on
the hind wing. Its eyes are grey coloured.
Both sexes of the Leopard are frequently seen busily flying around its larval food
plants. Females are more sedentary and hang around these plants due to the ease of
access to lay eggs. Males come to these trees in search of mates. During these visits,
males are able to even mate with newly-emerged females who are not yet ready to fly.
Males also gather on the wet soil of sand beds. This is a migrant species.
This butterfly can be found in sparsely wooded gardens and scrublands. It is common
throughout the island, becoming scarce towards the highest hills.
Nymphalidae
LFPs: Scolopia acuminata (lgq flkao), Homalium ceylanicum(weg fyr,sh), Flacourtia
jangomas (rg W.=/iai)
LFPs: Salicaceae plants including Flacourtia indica (W.=/iai), Flacourtia jangomas (rg
W.=/iai), Dovyalis hebecarpa (legô,a,)
66 Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka
Common Butterflies of Sri Lanka 67