Common Banded Peacock

Description:

The butterfly is solitary and a fast flyer. It flies high above and forages on the trees. However, occasionally it is attracted to bright flowers of plants on the ground as well . It flutters in a hurry while sipping nectar. It is distinguished due to its colour which is shiny fluorescent blue or green depending on the angle of observation. The magnificent colours are due to scales in interior of its wings. Also there are spots in the bottom of its hind wings similar to eye spots. The exterior of wings is brownish-black with patterns similar to eye-spots. Perhaps the only protection for this species is self-mimicry through the eye-spots as regards to its morphology, considering its bright peacock colours and its fast flight. :-)

Habitat:

Lower Bengal; Forested parts of Central and Southern India (including Kerala); Sri Lanka.

Notes:

Photographed with a Nokia N73 cellphone camera.