Common gull

Cepora nerissa, commonly known as the common gull, is a small to medium-sized butterfly belonging to the Pieridae family (the whites and yellows). It is widely distributed across Sri Lanka, India, and much of Southeast Asia. This butterfly is usually white with black markings on the wings, often showing a slight bluish shade near the base. The underside of the wings has a yellow tint, especially on the hindwings, which helps in identification. Females are generally darker and more heavily marked than males. The species also shows seasonal variation, with individuals in the dry season appearing paler and less marked compared to those seen during the wet season.

The common gull is found in a variety of habitats including open areas, gardens, and forest edges, and is commonly seen flying during the day. Its caterpillars mainly feed on plants from the Capparis family, making these plants important for its life cycle. Like other butterflies, it goes through a complete transformation from larva to pupa and then to adult. This species is quite adaptable and widespread, making it a familiar butterfly in many parts of its range, including Sri Lanka.