A medium-sized, colourful butterfly with a prominently yellow-spotted black upperside. Two large eye-like ocelli with blue pupils (concealed by forewings in Pic.1) and two small orange ocelli with blue pupils (visible in Pic.1) on the hindwings are diagnostic. The underside appears more whitish and is marked with black and orange (Pic.2). The plump body is white with black lines.
Behaviour
These butterflies are quite common in Chennai and can often be seen flying about swiftly in search of citrus plants which form the food of their larvae. They usually rest with the wings closed above the back, but occasionally hold them flat out as well. In the former position they hold the wings away from the body, clearly exposing the abdomen. The caterpillars initially look like a bird-dropping after which they grow large and bright yellow-green. Found in the hills and plains, this butterfly is common throughout India and ranges from Iraq through Thailand to Australasia.
