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Common Name : Joker     -       Scientific Name : Byblia ilithyia       -       Other Name : Kawataya (S)
Pallekandal Pitiya
01/13/2014
Pallekandal Pitiya
01/13/2014
Pallekandal Pitiya
01/13/2014

This butterfly belongs to the Nymphalidae family. Butterflies f this family are commonly referred to as brush-footed butterflies. The front legs of these butterflies are shorter than the other four legs. Thus the insect cannot use them to walk or stand. These reduced legs are devoid of feet and have brushes of hairs. The butterfly uses them to smell and taste. Other than in Sri Lanka this species is found in parts of Africa and India.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Vulnerable (National Red List 2012) and it is protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This is a specis that is found only in the northern dry lowlands of the country. Other than in Wilpattu I have seen it at Anawillundawa, Nawadankulama, Eluwankulama, Mannar , Murunnkan, Giants Tank and at Vidththalthivu.

The host plant on which they lay their eggs is known to be Wel Kahambiliya Tragia plukenetii.

In Wilpattu this species can be found on the coastal areas including Eluwankulama and Pallekandal Pitiya.