Polyura jalysus - the Indian Yellow Nawab

Doi Suthep-Pui, Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

Family : Nymphalidae

Sub-Family : Charaxinae

Species : Polyura jalysus jalysus

 

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This species is similar to some other Polyura species but the distinguishing feature is the much larger blue/green panel. It is much less common than the other Nawabs but is found in Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. It gets its common name from the large yellow panels on the upperside but unfortunately we don't often see these as the species only rarely opens its wings. The yellow panels correspond with the blue/green panels on the underside and are bordered by black. Quite why it is called 'Indian' I don't know as the species is not found in India. It is a medium-large butterfly with a wingspan of 50-65mm and a rapid, powerful flight.

Polyura jalysus is found in forested areas at elevations between sea level and about 600 metres. Males are fond of puddling on damp ground and like other Polyura species they are fairly oblivious to humans when feeding in this way. If they are disturbed they will fly off only to return when they think that danger has passed. They are not usually seen until late morning or early afternoon.

 

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