Monkey Puzzle

The Monkey Puzzle butterfly (Rathinda amor) is the only species in the genus Rathinda, belonging to the Lycaenidae family. It is found in Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and the Western Ghats region, where it lives in forests, scrublands, and even gardens with its host plants. This small butterfly has striking wing patterns. The upper side of the male is brownish-black with a violet sheen and marked with white spots on the forewings, while the hindwings have black and orange spots, thin blue edges, and small tails tipped with white. The underside is pale with chocolate markings and bright orange-yellow and blue-green bands. Females look similar but often have larger white spots on their wings.

Like other butterflies, the Monkey Puzzle has a complete metamorphosis. Its green caterpillars have tiny red fleshy bumps on their backs, while the chrysalis is also green and later turns brown before the adult emerges. The adult butterfly is a weak flier, staying close to the ground and often waggling its tails to confuse predators about where its head is. It feeds on plants such as soapberry, Ixora, mango, myrtles, and mistletoes. Despite being delicate, this butterfly is commonly seen in undergrowth, forest clearings, and pathways, where its beauty stands out against the greenery.