Both sexes are similar but the females
are larger.
Similar species
Chestnut Streaked Sailor
It is a common butterfly that occurs from sea level to
about 3000 feet elevation. It prefers lightly wooded
areas with scrub jungle, but is seen everywhere. It
inhabits much drier areas than the Chestnut Streaked
Sailor.
Its flight pattern is very distinctive - a few wing
beats followed by a spell of sailing with its wings held
horizontally. It stops the power stroke of its wings
abruptly when the wings reach the horizontal plane and
keeps them locked in that position for the rest of the
glide before it flicks them once again. It usually flies
low to the ground and is fond of bright sun. In dappled
shade, its pied markings conceal it quite well and may
confer some advantage to escape predators. In the early
morning hours, it often basks in the sun with its open
wings, and after warming up, flies about a great deal in
search of nectar, ripe or spoiled fruits, fermenting
juices or exudates from trees. While feeding, it
rhythmically opens and closes its wings. When it roosts,
it does so with its wings held above its back, making it
less conspicuous to predators. It is occasionally
attracted to damp soil. |
