ORNITHVACATIONS

Birding & Wildlife Holidays

Butterflies of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is blessed with a high diversity of vibrant winged insects- Butterflies. Among the 248 species found in our little island, 31 species are endemic. The endemics vary from tiny Jewel Four- ring to impressive Sri Lankan Birdwing. In between there is a nice selection of species including ‘leaf winged’ yet with a brilliantly blue coloured inner wings-the Blue Oakleaf and the graceful Tree Nymph.

In Sri Lanka, butterflies could be seen everywhere from home gardens to deep forests, though more importantly, some species, including several endemics, show only a highly restricted and local distribution. Jezebel and Crimson Rose are noteworthy large insects that usually associate with home gardens. Blue Mormon, Clipper, Commander, Banded Peacock and Red Helen are some of noteworthy forest dwellers that encounter often in our tours. Red and Blue Admirals, Fritillary and Sri Lankan Tiger add more colours to Sri Lankan scenic hills.

These are quite a few to mention out of the lot of these nicely named peaceful creatures in Sri Lanka. Since the island hold a range of habitats based on climatic zones and geography, it is a great opportunity to bump into such lovely creatures.   

Like everywhere else, butterfly fauna is threatened by habitat loss, and by a specific threat of losing their larval food plant, the key factor for their survival.Luckily butterfly enthusiasts make efforts in butterfly conservation by awareness and habitat restoration (ex. butterfly gardening)

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