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Ixias marianne
It flies only in the low country not higher than 300 to 500 feet elevation and inhabits the where the vegetation is sparse and thorny. They are common among scrub jungles and thickets of the arid, dry and intermediate zones. Consequently it is most readily encountered in the northern dry zone, and also to a lesser extent in the south and south east of the island. It is seen all year round but is commonest during the pre-monsoonal period. It may ascend the lower hills on occasion, but only during migrations.
Scrubland
A very active butterfly, particularly the males. It flies hurriedly as it darts across from one thicket to another, seldom above a couple of feet off ground. It flies incessantly, meandering in and out of thorny scrub in search of mates or nectar. When it settles to nectar, it does so only for a fleeting moment and is soon on the wing once again. It loves the sun and may be seen flying until around 2 pm. After that it retires into the thickets to sit on the upper side of a leaf or a twig to spend the night. Although it basks in the early morning, it tends to be jittery and is not easy to approach. At rest, it holds its wings up and the forewings are pulled back between the hind wings until much of it is covered. Its flight is not particularly brisk and it tends to rest quite often, generally its wings folded. Its flight is not terribly energetic and it has not been known to take part in migrations.
9 Comments
Thanks martinl
That's a great capture NuwanC. I love the white dots that look like fingerprints. They are quite different to the upperside but classic pierids. Nicely done.
Great spotting buddy! =)
Great capture!
Thank you Marta!
Another beauty!
Thank you Bhagya, Christos !
Nice!!
great spotting.......