Butterflies of Burnihat, Assam (part-3)

This part covers butterflies belonging to Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails) and Family Pieridae (Whites and Yellows). Some members of these families are covered in the first part of this series are not included here.

(Links to, 1st part - http://geralganesh.blogspot.in/2013/11/butterflies-of-burnihat-assam.html
              2nd part - http://geralganesh.blogspot.in/2013/11/butterflies-of-burnihat-assam-part-2.html )

Family Papilionidae (Swallowtails)

This family contains most spectacular butterflies. This group of butterflies are most conspicuous in nature and being extensively studied. Largest butterfly in India (Southern Birdwing) belongs to this family. Most of the butterflies belonging to this group have tailed hindwings, hence the name Swallowtails. In India around 107 species are found and here I able to record 9 species.

1. Common Mormon (Papilio polytes)

This is the most common Swallowtail found here. Seen almost throughout the year. Female of this species has 3 different forms.

wingspan : 90-100mm
status : Very Common

Male

Female_form cyrus

Courtship behaviour, femlae_form stichius

2. Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus)

This is one of the most common and beautiful butterfly found in India. Found after monsoon season.
wingspan : 80-100mm
status : very common

3. Red Helen (Papilio helenus)

A large Swallowtail often seen on flowers.
wingspan : 110-130mm
status : Common

4. Great Mormon (Papilio memnon)

Second largest butterfly in the campus. They are highly polymorphic with four male and nine female forms.

Fairly common in the campus throughout  the year, often seen chased by males of common mormon.

wingspan : 120-150mm
status : locally common

female_form butlerians

5. Spangle (Papilio protenor)

A large butterfly sometimes confused with Great Mormon while flying.
wingspan : 100-130mm

status : common

6. Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon)

A common butterfly seen throughout the year. Restless flier, difficult see get perched. Not able to take a good photograph of healthy specimen till now.

wingspan : 85-100mm

status : Common

Family Pieridae (Whites and Yellows)

These group of butterflies are commonly known as whites and yellows because of their wings mainly coloured with white and yellow. In India around 109 species are found and in our campus I able to spot 11 species.

1. Red-Spot Jezebel (Delias descombesi)

This species found here after rainy season. Group of 4-5 can be seen flying and nectaring on flowers of Alstonia scholaris trees which flowers in Nov-Dec months. Also can be seen on Eupatorium flowers.

wingspan : 65-90mm
status : Not rare

2. Great Orange-Tip (Hebomoia glaucippe)

One of the common butterfly in the campus seen throughout the year. A fast flier, can be seen on flowers.
wingspan : 80-100mm
status : Common

3. Chocolate Albatross (Appias lyncida)

One of the beautiful butterfly. Saw only once in the hilly side of the campus.

wingspan : 55-70mm

status : common

4. Three Spot Grass Yellow (Eurema blanda)

This species unlike other Grass Yellows found more in forested and wooded regions and flies at higher level, sometimes can be seen on flowers on open areas also. It is a common species in hilly region of the campus throughout the year.

wingspan : 40-45mm

status : common

In upcoming parts I will try to cover the rest.
All the images of Butterflies of Burnihat can also be viewed here -
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.641810802517970.1073741830.100000671690875&type=1&l=2ec0e567f4

Thank you for visiting.

Ganesh Hegde