10 Butterflies You Can Spot Only In India

Southern Birdwing (Troides minos)India’s second-largest butterfly with a wingspan of 140–190 mm. Endemic to the Western Ghats, its striking black-and-yellow wings are especially visible during monsoon and post-monsoon months.Malabar Tree Nymph (Idea malabarica)A large, slow-flying butterfly of the Western Ghats, with a wingspan of 120–154 mm. Its white wings with black patterns give it a ghostly, graceful appearance in dense forests.Indian Red Admiral (Vanessa indica)Common in the Himalayas and Nilgiris, it’s darker than its European counterpart. Prefers higher altitudes, feeding on tree sap and fruits, and often seen basking in the sun.Nilgiri Tiger (Parantica nilgiriensis)Endemic to shola forests above 1,500 m in the southern Western Ghats. Its slow gliding flight and striking black-and-white pattern make it a sought-after species for butterfly watchers.Southern Spotted Ace (Thoressa astigmata)A tiny skipper butterfly found in the undergrowth of Western Ghats forests in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Larvae feed on wild bamboos like Ochlandra species.Painted Sawtooth (Prioneris sita)Recognisable by its white wings with bright yellow hindwings. Endemic to southern India and Sri Lanka, it mimics toxic butterflies and is often seen mud-puddling in groups.Northern Jungle Queen (Stichophthalma camadeva)Found in the forests of Sikkim between May and September. Its large size, brown and yellow hues, and powerful flight help it blend with the forest floor’s leaf litter.Red Lace Wing (Cethosia biblis)Striking red-and-black butterfly found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Assam, and Sikkim. The vivid undersides of its wings serve as a warning signal to predators.Map Butterfly (Cyrestis achates)Common in Karnataka’s forests, its wings feature vein patterns resembling a geographical map. Often perches flat on leaves or the ground to show off its unique design.Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis)A majestic swallowtail found in the Eastern Himalayas, particularly in Assam and Sikkim. Its iridescent green-black wings and fast high-altitude flight make it highly prized among butterfly enthusiasts.Most Beautiful Butterflies From Around The WorldRead More