Andaman Yamfly

Description:

This picture has a story to it ! While we were butterflying at Mt.Harriet, Andaman Islands this Yamfly was being continuously chased by a Andaman Drongo (Dicrurus andamanensis) . The bird almost got this specimen but it somehow managed to get away at the cost of part of its tail. When I took a pic of this specimen, it has was still recovering from the shock and I could still see the fear in its eyes ! With a wing span of 36-40mm, this jewel has a lazy weak flight.

Habitat:

The Yamfly is widely distributed in India but the prabha sub species is endemic to the Andaman Islands. Like the main land cousin, the prabha sub species prefers wet bamboo forests and is seldom seen in open spaces.

Notes:

Ref - The Book Of Indian Butterflies by Mr.Issac Kehimkar.