India is home to a diverse range of butterfly species, with over 1,500 known species. Here are 10 of the most common butterflies found in India.

1. Common Mormon

The Common Mormon Butterfly, also known as the Papilio polytes, is a large and beautiful butterfly species found in South and Southeast Asia. It is commonly seen in gardens, parks, and other open areas with flowering plants. It feeds on the nectar of various flowers, including lantana, ixora, and hibiscus. This butterfly is known for its distinctive black and white markings and can be found across India.

The male and female Common Mormon butterflies have distinct physical characteristics. The male has black wings with white spots and a long tail, while the female has similar black wings with white spots, but with a series of red submarginal spots on the hind wings.

The Common Mormon butterfly is a strong flier and can often be seen flying high in the sky. This butterfly species is also known for its unique behavior of mimicry. Its caterpillar resembles bird droppings, which provides it with protection from predators. 

2. Common Crow

The Common Crow is a large butterfly with black wings that are bordered with white spots. It is a species of butterfly that is native to India. The wings are slightly curved, giving it a distinct shape in flight. The males of the species have a slightly smaller wingspan than the females.

The Common Crow Butterfly is found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and forests. It is a common sight during the monsoon season when it is attracted to flowers for nectar. It is also known to feed on the leaves of certain plants, including milkweed and oleander.

It is a popular subject for nature photographers and butterfly enthusiasts alike, and its distinctive appearance makes it easy to spot in the wild.

3. Common Jezebel

The Common Jezebel butterfly, also known as the Common Diadem, is a species of butterfly native to India and Southeast Asia. It is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 50 to 60 mm and is known for its distinctive black and white markings on its wings. This butterfly is known for its bright orange and black wings and can be found in forests and gardens across India.

The Common Jezebel is a common sight in gardens and parks and is often seen flitting from flower to flower in search of nectar. It is a fast flier and can be difficult to catch a glimpse of, but its striking markings and graceful flight make it a favorite among butterfly enthusiasts.

In addition to its beauty, the Common Jezebel butterfly also plays an important role in pollination. By visiting flowers in search of nectar, it helps to transfer pollen from one flower to another, which is essential for plant reproduction. So not only is the Common Jezebel a joy to behold, but it also plays a vital ecological role in its native habitat.

4. Common Indian Skipper

The Common Indian Skipper is a small, brown butterfly that is commonly found in gardens and fields. This small butterfly has a wingspan of around 3-4 cm and is light brown with black spots on its wings.

It is a fast-flying butterfly and can often be seen darting from flower to flower, feeding on nectar. The butterfly lays its eggs on grass blades and the larvae feed on grasses. This species of butterfly is an important pollinator and helps in the reproduction of many plant species. It is also an important part of the food chain, providing food for birds and other insect-eating animals. 

5. Blue Mormon

The Blue Mormon butterfly is a stunning species of butterfly that can be found in various parts of India like the Western Ghats and the Himalayas. This butterfly is known for its beautiful blue wings that are edged with black and white spots. The Blue Mormon butterfly is one of the largest species of butterfly in India, with a wingspan of up to 150 mm. These butterflies are typically found in forested areas and gardens where they feed on nectar from flowers.

In Hindu mythology, the Blue Mormon butterfly is considered sacred and is believed to be a representation of the soul. It is believed that when a person dies, their soul is transformed into a butterfly, and the Blue Mormon butterfly is one of the species that the soul can transform into. Unfortunately, like many butterfly species, the Blue Mormon butterfly is under threat due to habitat loss and climate change. 

6. Indian Red Admiral

This butterfly is known for its striking red and black wings and is commonly found in gardens and parks across India. The upper side of its wings is deep orange with black markings, while the underside is brown with light markings.

The Indian Red Admiral Butterfly, also known as Vanessa indica, is a species of butterfly found in India and other parts of South Asia. It belongs to the family Nymphalidae, which is known for its strikingly beautiful and colorful members. It is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 60-70 mm.  The butterfly is known for its distinctive flight pattern, which involves a quick fluttering of its wings before gliding smoothly.

The Indian Red Admiral Butterfly is commonly found in wooded areas, grasslands, and gardens. It feeds on nectar from flowers such as Lantana and Eupatorium. The butterfly is not considered to be endangered, but its population has declined in recent years due to habitat loss and pesticide use. It is important to protect its habitat and ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy.

7. Plain Tiger

The Plain Tiger Butterfly, also known as the African Monarch or Danaus chrysippus, is a common butterfly species found in India. It is a member of the Nymphalidae family and is known for its bright orange wings with black veins and white spots. The wingspan of the butterfly ranges from 7-8 cm.

The Plain Tiger Butterfly is widely distributed across India, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fields, and forests. The butterfly is also known to feed on milkweed plants, which contain a toxic substance that makes the butterfly unpalatable to predators.

The Plain Tiger Butterfly is an important pollinator and plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. It is also a popular subject for nature enthusiasts and photographers. 

8. Painted Lady

The Painted Lady is a migratory butterfly that is found in India during the winter months. The Painted Lady Butterfly, also known as Vanessa Cardui, is known for its striking orange and black wings, which are adorned with white spots and bars.

In India, Painted Lady Butterflies are commonly seen during the winter months, as they migrate to the country from other parts of the world. They are particularly abundant in the southern parts of India, where they are often seen in gardens and open fields. Painted Lady Butterflies are important pollinators and play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of their habitats. 

The Painted Lady Butterfly is a fascinating and beautiful species that is a joy to observe in the wild. Whether you are a nature lover or simply appreciate the beauty of these creatures, the Painted Lady Butterfly is certainly a sight to behold.

9. Lime Butterfly

The Lime Butterfly is a common butterfly found in gardens and parks across India and is known for its bright green wings. The upper side of its wings is black and yellow with some white spots, while the underside is pale yellow with black spots. The wings have a distinctive chequered pattern, which gives the butterfly its common name.

The Lime Butterfly, also known as the Lemon Butterfly or Chequered Swallowtail, is a common butterfly species found in India. It belongs to the family Papilionidae, and its scientific name is Papilio demoleus.

The Lime Butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 90-100 mm. It feeds on the nectar of flowers, and its larvae feed on the leaves of plants in the citrus family, such as lemon, lime, and orange trees. Overall, it is a beautiful and important species in India's ecosystem, and it is a joy to see one fluttering by in the sunshine.

10. Common Grass Yellow 

The common grass yellow butterfly, scientifically known as Eurema hecabe, is a widespread species of butterfly found in India and other parts of Asia. This butterfly is a bright yellow color and is commonly found in grasslands and gardens across the country.

The common grass yellow butterfly is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 5-6 cm. Both males and females have bright yellow wings with black borders. The males have a small black spot on their wings, while females have larger and more prominent spots. This butterfly can be found in open fields, gardens, and parks across India and is a common sight in the monsoon season.

The common grass yellow butterfly has a unique lifecycle. The female lays her eggs on the leaves of plants in the pea family, such as alfalfa and clover. The caterpillars feed on these plants and pupate in a chrysalis. The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis after a few weeks. The common grass yellow butterfly is a beautiful and common butterfly found in India. 

These are the 10 most common butterflies and are just a small sample of the amazing diversity of butterfly species found in India.

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