Common Jezebel is a beautiful butterfly species found across South and South-east Asia. It avoids arid habitats and occurs along the Himalayan foothills upto elevations of 2100m. The male has impressive yellow, white, red and black coloration to the underside hindwing. These bright colors are indicative of the species being unpalatable to the predators due to the toxins accumulated by the larvae from its host plants. It is a common species of butterfly in Corbett Tiger Reserve and has been recorded feeding on the flowers of Lantana, Kadam, Wild Ber (jujube), varieties of parasitic mistletoe like Lorenthus and Flame of the Forest.
This beautiful male Common Jezebel was photographed recently at Jim’s Jungle Retreat by our naturalist Jeewan Rautela.
Common Jezebel at Jim’s Jungle Retreat
