Butterflies Spotted in Delhi: Indian Fritillary

Symrna Darkmorph
Jun 8
2 min read

Meet the Indian Fritillary, a dazzling butterfly from the brush-footed family, found fluttering across South Asia to Australia.

Observed at Sunder Nursery on 6th of December 2024 in Delhi, Identification help by Dr. Surya Prakash

A Tale of Two Sexes

The male Indian Fritillary sports a bold, leopard-like pattern on its upper wings. But the female is a true standout! Her forewings are a beautiful rosy red near her body, blending into a soft bluish-grey towards the tips. These are adorned with a striking white band and scattered black patches. Her hindwings mirror the male's, and underneath, she's much like him, save for that distinctive white band.

A Swift and Shy Flyer

These butterflies are speedy fliers, most active during the hottest parts of the day. They're easily startled, but give them a moment, and they'll likely return to their favorite spot. You'll often catch the males gathered at mud puddles, sipping essential minerals.

Grounded Habits

When it's time to rest or lay eggs, females descend to the ground. Their closed wings help them blend in with the grasses, making them almost invisible. They carefully lay their eggs on or near their caterpillars' favorite food — specific types of plants such as Viola pilosa, also called Banafsha (बनफ़्शा) It is also known as वनफसा (Vanapsha) in Rajasthani. I's common name is Arrowhead Violet, Showy Violet, and Mountain Violet.Both sexes love to bask in the sun while perched on the ground.

Female Indian Fritillary, a local migrant observed in Delhi, on 6th December 2024, near a patch of poppy flowers planted at Sunder Nursery Gardens for ornamental reasons.

Where They Live and What They Eat

You'll find these butterflies in open areas like grasslands, meadows, and the edges of woodlands, typically high up in the hills, between 1,000 and 3,000 meters. They love sipping nectar from flowers, and their caterpillars munch on plants like Viola pilosa and Viola betonicifolia.

Helping Our Insect Friends

Wildlife ecologist Aisha Sultana shares an important message: we can all help protect insects like the Indian Fritillary. She explains that many plants we consider "weeds" are actually host plants for butterflies – essential food for their young! To help, she suggests: