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Orange Migrant (Catopsilia scylla Linnaeus, 1763)

A butterfly species new to Sri Lanka

 
Male Orange Migrant captured and being eaten by a mantid

For the first time in many decades a butterfly species new to Sri Lanka has been identified in the Kurunegala district. A male Catopsilia scylla was observed and studied 2 Km from Wariyapola along the road to Kurunegala on the 18^th of February, 2008. Read more.

Sri Lanka is a tropical island that lies off the south eastern tip of India, just north of the equator. It is approximately 250 miles long by 150 miles wide. Though small, it has varied climatic and geographical zones. From the capital city of Colombo, within a distance of 70 miles as the crow flies, one goes from sea level to over 8000 feet.

The changes in elevation, annual rainfall, and the underlying geology has given rise to a diversity of plant species and in different ecological zones.  

The fauna and flora of Sri Lanka contain many endemic species as well as species that are closely related to those of the Indian sub-continent. 

We hope that this site inspires you to take a greater interest in the world of insects and their conservation. If you like to share your sightings of Sri Lankan butterflies and dragonflies, please send us your information.

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