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Common Name : Nawab     -       Scientific Name : Polyura athamas       -       Other Name : Kaha Kumaraya
Kumbuk Wila Sand Patch
03/20/2016

This is a rare butterfly of the Nymphalidae family, which is usually found in the canopy. Other than in Sri Lanka it is found in most tropical Asian countries including India, Myanmar and Indonesia.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

This butterfly is found through out the island except for the extreme north. Other than at Wilpattu I have seen it at Morapitiya, Panduwasnuwara and Padukka. This is a very fast flying butterfly that usually occupies the canopy. Some times it can be found mud sipping on the ground or feeding on rotting fruits. The host plants of this species include the Bonduc Nut Caesalpinia bonducella (Kumburu (S)), Pathangi Caesalpinia sappan and Hinguru vine Acasia pennata.

This is a rarely seen butterfly at Wilpattu. I have seen it at Panikkar Villu and Kumbuk Wila sand patch.