National Butterfly of Sri Lanka

The National Butterfly of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan birdwing (Troides darsius). It was declared the National Butterfly on March 25, 2010. This stunning butterfly is endemic to Sri Lanka, meaning it can only be found on the island. It is also the largest butterfly species in the country and holds a special place in conservation efforts due to its wide distribution across various regions of Sri Lanka.

Key Features of the Sri Lanka Birdwing

The Sri Lanka Birdwing is renowned for its striking appearance. It has glossy black wings accented by bright yellow patterns. The wingspan typically ranges from 150 to 180 millimeters, making it the largest butterfly in Sri Lanka. This butterfly is most commonly found in the low-country wet zone of Sri Lanka, although it can also be spotted in home gardens. It prefers forested environments but is adaptable to other lush areas. The butterfly becomes scarcer in the hill and dry zones.

Male vs Female

• Male: The male butterfly has a jet black body with a golden yellow patch on the hind wing. This yellow patch is separated by black veins and is a prominent feature of the male.
• Female: The female is typically larger than the male and features more extensive black on the hindwings. It has a variable golden yellow patch that is reduced into a separate, central patch along with a row of sub-marginal patterns. The female also has white dusting beside the forewing veins.

Conservation Concerns

Deforestation is the primary threat to the Ceylon Birdwing. The butterfly relies on Aristolochia plants as a food source for its larvae, so habitat loss jeopardizes its survival. The Ceylon Birdwing is listed under Appendix II of CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), meaning international trade of this species is carefully regulated to prevent exploitation.

Despite its beauty, the butterfly is categorized as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List (2012). However, more efforts are needed to protect its fragile habitat. Preserving the Aristolochia plants, which are crucial to the butterfly’s life cycle, is essential for its long-term survival.

The National Butterfly

Several reasons led to the selection of the Sri Lanka Birdwing as the national butterfly:

• Endemic to Sri Lanka
• Largest Butterfly in Sri Lanka
• Wide Distribution
• Beautiful and Easy to Identify
• Harmless to Agriculture
• Cultural and Religious Associations

Cultural and Religious Associations

In Sri Lankan culture and Buddhism, the color yellow holds deep symbolic meaning. It is closely associated with Buddhist teachings, representing qualities such as humility, wisdom, and the pursuit of enlightenment. Monks, who are central figures in Buddhist practice, traditionally wear robes in shades of yellow or saffron.

The color yellow also plays an important role in the national flag of Sri Lanka, where it is used to symbolize several significant aspects of the country’s culture and heritage. In the flag, yellow is featured in elements such as lion, Bo Leaves and border.