The Commander Butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family and is commonly found in South Asia. Sporting an eye-catching colour combination of reddish-brown with bold white markings, this butterfly instantly captures attention as it flits from flower to flower.
Habitat of The Commander Butterfly
Commander Butterflies thrive in various habitats. You can find them frequenting evergreen forests, urban gardens, woodland edges, and open grasslands. They are predominantly found in areas with plenty of flowering plants offering nectar for sustenance.
Flight Behaviour and Pattern of The Commander Butterfly
One notable characteristic of the Commander Butterfly is its unique flight behaviour. They exhibit a slow and undulating flight pattern with graceful movements as they glide close to the ground. This captivating flight style allows them to navigate dense vegetation with ease while searching for food or mates.
Life Cycle of The Commander Butterfly
The life cycle of the Commander Butterfly follows four stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. They lay their eggs on host plants from which caterpillars emerge upon hatching. After feasting on leaves and growing substantially bigger, caterpillars then form a chrysalis and undergo metamorphosis. The adult butterfly soon emerges beautifully transformed and takes its maiden flight in search of nourishment and a potential mate.
Features and Behaviour: Male and Female Commander Butterfly
Male Commander Butterflies flaunt brighter colours and are slightly larger than their female counterparts. Their wings display more conspicuous white markings, and they exude an androconial scent to help attract females during mating season. These strong flyers are also known to engage in territorial behaviour, warding off other males from valuable nectar sources.
Female Commander Butterflies showcase a more subdued colour palette of browns and whites which enables them to camouflage themselves more effectively when laying eggs. Their flight behaviour is relatively similar to that of the males, although they tend to be less territorial.
Availability and Spotting of The Commander Butterfly in Nepal
Nepal is home to an impressive variety of butterfly species, including the Commander Butterfly. They can be found across the country from subtropical regions at an altitude of 500 meters up to 2,000 meters. Prime locations for spotting these breathtaking insects include the Chitwan National Park and Sunderijal Region on the outskirts of Kathmandu during their peak activity season between April and November.
In conclusion, the Commander Butterfly is an exquisite species with fascinating characteristics that make it a must-see for nature lovers visiting Nepal. Keep your eyes peeled during your next trekking adventure – you might just be treated to a mesmerising encounter with these remarkable insects.