Cupha erymanthis (Rustic Butterfly)
The Cupha erymanthis is commonly known as the Rustic Butterfly and belongs to the Nymphalidae Family. The males and females are identical.
A lighter median band can be distinguished on the upper side of the forewing. The forewing apex and outer margin are dark brown in colour. Both wings are marked in various patterns of dark brown, which are more numerous on the hindwing. The colour and pattern of its underside vary to a great extent. The under surface is always lighter in colour than the upper surface. The numbers of white markings varies, and are sometimes entirely absent on the forewing. These markings form an irregular band. Its eyes have a pale greenish yellow tinge.
The Rustic is a relatively common species which stays within the vicinity of the nature reserves. It is often spotted close to where its host plant, Flacourtia rukam (Indian Prune) can be found.
The Rustic is an active butterfly and usually appears on sunny days. It is an alert butterfly and is difficult to photograph as it flits from leaf to leaf and rarely stops for long. Even when alighted on a perch, its wings are often moving continuously, ready to take off at the slightest distraction.
The Rustic prefers to bask with its wings partially open in sun beams which filter down through the canopy to the shrubbery of forest. Males suck on minerals from sand beds in streams but are not fond of mud patches. This is a migratory species.
References :
https://www.dilmahconservation.org
http://www.butterflycircle.com
Wikipedia
pictures:
Kerala (2018, 2019)
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