Banded Peacock

Description:

The bands on the upper surface of both wings are a brilliant blue green when viewed from top but appear a dark blue when viewed from the sides. The underside is dark brown to blackish brown in color. There is considerable seasonal variation in the size of the blue-green band; the one on the male is usually broader than the one on the female.

Habitat:

Found in wooded area up to an elevation of 1600 feet but more common in low country dry zone. It is commonest during the north east monsoon. The male is far more abundant than the female. The butterfly is solitary It flies in and out of scrub jungles and in wide open spaces, it flies fast and high, and out of reach. It is a nectar lover and prefers the flowers of tall shrubs and small trees but seen flying high above and forages on the trees. It spends little time on a flower and flies away in a hurry. The male is occasionally attracted to wet soil or gravel.

Notes:

The larva feeds on Chloroxylon swietenia (Satinwood tree)