The Common Four Ring butterfly, scientifically known as Ypthima Huebneri, is a charming little creature found mostly in Asia. It can be spotted at elevations up to 1,500 meters above sea level, happily coexisting with us in diverse habitats like forests, grasslands, and even our gardens!
Interestingly, this butterfly's appearance adapts to the changing seasons. When monsoon or wet season approaches, its wings turn a darker shade of brown and the four eyespots on its hind wings become more noticeable. But when the dry season rolls around, the wings take on a lighter hue and the eyespots become less prominent.
They are often seen fluttering low among plants in grassy areas. They don't have a strong flying ability, but their erratic and jerky movements make them quite endearing! Also, they enjoy basking in the sunshine with their wings spread wide open.
The life cycle of a Common Four Ring butterfly begins as an egg, then transforms into a larva or caterpillar, pupates into a pupa or chrysalis, and eventually emerges as an adult butterfly.
Females lay tiny bluish-green eggs on the underside of leaves or the stem of their host plants. In just 5 days, these eggs hatch into little caterpillars sporting reddish patches on their pale-yellow bodies. They munch happily on leaves until it's time for them to grow bigger during 5-6 molt stages, called instars.
When they're ready for metamorphosis, they form a brown or green pupa suspended from a silken thread. This stage lasts around 10-12 days before an adult butterfly breaks free! They're finally grown up with their brown wings spanning 30-35mm across.
As adults, these butterflies feed on nectar from various flowers like Lantana, Hibiscus, and Jasmine. They also mate within days of emerging from their pupal stage, and females lay a new generation of eggs about a week after mating.
The Common Four Ring butterfly is commonly found in Nepal. Although spotted year-round, they are most abundant during the warm summer months. They certainly are fascinating creatures!