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Recommendation of Papilio crino as State Butterfly
Our Recommendation
The Nature and Butterfly Society (TNBS) takes great joy and
pride, with the thought of a state symbol. The Society mem-
bers are already excited with such possibility for our state
and informally suggestions are pouring in already.
We wish the identification process should consider the fol-
lowing criteria in choosing one. They are Regional signifi-
cance, distribution, aesthetic appeal and special significance
and all in relation to our state. We have already prepared a
template for these and a sample is attached herewith.
We recommend
Common Banded Peacock ,
a
species from Papilionidae family as our state butterfly
symbol and the detailed justification is given below:
Justification Details
Scientific Name: Papilio crino
Common Name: Common Banded Peacock
Species Authority: Fabricius, 1793
Family: Papilionidae
Species Description:
A medium-sized swallowtail is more widespread and inhab-
its both wet and dry habitats and found in all elevations.
A lustrous pale green band runs across both the sides of the
wings against sparkling dark-green scales and can vary in
colour from shades of green to blue. It can also be seen
basking lazily, with its dazzling wings open in the early
mornings.
Justification for Recommendation:
Regional Significance:
Although the butterfly has a much wider distribution in In-
dia, it is quite common in our state compared to neighbour-
ing states like Kerala and Karnataka (where they are seen in
certain pockets). AP state should have a good representa-
tion too, but data is lacking.
Special Significance:
The butterfly is truly at home both in Western Ghats and
Eastern Ghats, which is special to our state and not so abun-
dant status in other neighbouring states makes its unique.
Distribution:
The butterfly is seen in the entire stretch of Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats of our state as it is primarily a forest insect
(where its food plant Satinwood tree grows). The plains and the coastal areas are also witnessing its presence in many areas
and since certain districts are not yet fully explored from the butterfly front, the species distribution and presence in those
districts are not unknown).
Aesthetic Appeal:
The butterfly is beautiful while flying past, a flash of green to blue band depending on the angle at which we look at it as they
are heavily dusted with green scales with a green tipped tail. The beauty of the species is much better experienced than de-
scribed.
PATTAMPOOCHI
A TNBS MAGAZINE
WINGS 3 VEINS 2
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