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Omkar Nagare

@wearenaturalists

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🦋 Wildlife Photographer & Naturalist | Maharashtra, India
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A quiet brown silhouette below, a shimmer of blue when the wings unfold🦋
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The Dull Oak-Blue (Arhopala centaurus), also known as the Centaur Oakblue, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae and subfamily Theclinae. Despite its common name, the male can display a striking metallic violet-blue sheen on the upper surface of its wings. Females are generally paler blue, with broader dark borders. The underside is cryptically patterned in brown, with fine markings that help the butterfly blend into its surroundings. A small tail on the hindwing is another useful identification feature. Its wingspan is approximately 53–62 mm.
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This species occurs across India and Southeast Asia, extending to the Philippines. Within India, different subspecies occur in regions including the Western Ghats, the Himalayas and Northeast India, as well as the Andaman Islands. It inhabits forested areas, where adults may be observed basking, mud-puddling or feeding on rotting fruit
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Its caterpillars feed on several tree species, with recorded host plants including Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Xylia and Schleichera. Some oakblue caterpillars also associate with ants, which may provide protection in exchange for sugary secretions; such relationships are an intriguing part of the natural history of this group
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The Dull Oak-Blue is a wonderful reminder that a butterfly's appearance can change dramatically with the angle of light: subdued brown beneath, brilliant blue above.
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Dull Oak-Blue
Arhopala centaurus (Fabricius, 1775)
#Lycaenidae
2026-09-06
Guwahati, Assam
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Guwahati, Assam by @wearenaturalists

94

28

a day ago

Brown wings, watchful eyespots, and a life close to the forest floor 🤎🦋
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The Large Three-ring (Ypthima nareda) is a brown butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Satyrinae. Its understated wings are marked with distinctive eyespots, or ocelli, which give the species its characteristic appearance.
The underside of the forewing features a prominent yellow-ringed eyespot with two pupils, while the hindwing bears one large eyespot near the apex and two smaller eyespots near the tornal region. Fine, delicate striations across the brown wings add to its subtle patterning. Its wingspan is approximately 40–50 mm.
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This species is recorded from the western Himalayas eastward to Assam and into northern Myanmar. It occurs at elevations of approximately 600–2,800 metres. It typically flies close to the ground and frequents forest edges, roadsides and other partially open habitats. Adults also visit flowers, and records in the western Himalayas indicate a flight period from March to November.
Like other ringlets, its earthy colours help it blend into its surroundings, while its eyespots provide distinctive identification features for observant naturalists.
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Large Three-ring
Ypthima nareda (Kollar, [1844])
#Nymphalidae
2026-06-19
Devalsari, Uttarakhand
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Uttarakhand by @wearenaturalists

119

20

3 days ago

Straight bands, soft browns, and a beauty shaped by the shadows 🤎🦋
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The Straight-banded Treebrown (Lethe verma) is a forest-dwelling butterfly belonging to the subfamily Satyrinae within the family Nymphalidae. Its understated brown coloration and distinctive straight banding help it blend into the subdued surroundings of woodland floors and shaded forest vegetation. Like many treebrowns, its appearance reflects the quiet beauty of butterflies adapted to life in dappled light, where intricate patterns can be more useful than bright colours.
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This species occurs across parts of the Himalayan region and northeastern India, with records from areas including Kashmir, Sikkim, Assam and Meghalaya. It is also found more widely across parts of Asia, where several subspecies have been described.
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The Straight-banded Treebrown has been recorded in forest clearings and orange orchards in the eastern Himalayas, suggesting that it can also be encountered in semi-open habitats near woodland. Its subtle appearance rewards patient observation—a reminder that some of the forest's most interesting details are easy to overlook when we look only for bright colours.
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Straight-banded Treebrown
Lethe verma (Kollar, 1844)
#Nymphalidae
2026-06-16
Mussoorie, Uttarakhand
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective
#Devalsari
#uttarakhand taken in Mussoorie by @wearenaturalists

114

20

5 days ago

Tiny markings, restless wings, and a naturalist's reason to pause 🦋
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Its brown wings feature subtle pale markings and distinctive spots, best appreciated when the butterfly settles. Rather than relying on brilliant colours, this species rewards close observation of its intricate patterns and characteristic skipper shape.
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Moore’s Ace occurs across a broad range of India, including the Western Ghats, parts of the Eastern Ghats, the Himalayan foothills and Northeast India. It can be found in grassy clearings and along the edges of secondary forests.
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Its caterpillars feed on grasses and bamboo in the family Poaceae. Recorded larval host plants include Bambusa tuldoides, Bambusa vulgaris and Ochlandra scriptoria. These host associations connect the life cycle of this small butterfly to the grasses and bamboo habitats that form an important part of India's tropical ecosystems.
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Though modest in appearance, Moore’s Ace is a rewarding find for anyone who enjoys documenting the often-overlooked diversity of India's skipper butterflies.
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Moore’s Ace
Halpe porus
#Hesperiidae
2026-10-10
Thane, Maharashtra
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective
#macroprophotography by @wearenaturalists

121

8

7 days ago

Some wings tell their story through contrast rather than brilliance 🦋
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The Bicolour Commodore (Parasarpa zayla) is a forest-dwelling butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Limenitidinae. Its contrasting wing colours and distinctive pattern give it a refined appearance, quite different from the bold, brightly coloured butterflies often associated with tropical forests.
In India, the species is recorded from Sikkim eastwards through northern West Bengal and the northeastern states, including the hill regions of Meghalaya and Nagaland. It is associated with Himalayan and northeastern forest habitats, where its understated colours can blend beautifully with the shifting light beneath the canopy.
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The species belongs to the genus Parasarpa, which also includes the White Commodore (Parasarpa dudu). Despite their similar common names, they are recognised as distinct species.
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Like many forest butterflies, the Bicolour Commodore is a reminder that identifying a species often depends on observing the finer details of its wing pattern, rather than relying on colour alone. Encounters with these less conspicuous butterflies can make patient exploration of Himalayan forest trails especially rewarding.
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Bicolour Commodore
Parasarpa zayla (Doubleday, 1848)
#Nymphalidae
2026-09-09
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India by @wearenaturalists

274

52

8 days ago

Among the shadows, her subtle elegance becomes her signature 🦋
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The Redspot Duke (Dophla evelina) is a powerful forest butterfly belonging to the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Limenitidinae. The species is sexually dimorphic, and the female has a distinctly different appearance from the darker, metallic-green male.
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In the Indian subcontinent, Dophla evelina is represented by two recognised subspecies: Himalayan Redspot Duke (D. e. derma), ranging from Sikkim into Northeast India, and Sahyadri Redspot Duke (D. e. laudabilis), found from Gujarat through the Western Ghats to Kerala.
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Like other members of the group, adults may seek out fermenting fruit and other nutrient-rich sources rather than relying exclusively on floral nectar. Its caterpillar has been recorded feeding on Diospyros species, including Diospyros candolleana.
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Interestingly, the Sahyadri subspecies D. e. laudabilis is legally protected in India under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
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Redspot Duke — Female
Dophla evelina (Stoll, 1790)
#Nymphalidae
2026-09-27
Belvai, Karnataka
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Sammilan Shetty's Butterfly Park Belvai by @wearenaturalists

402

40

9 days ago

Earthy wings, intricate markings, and the quiet authority of a Rajah 🦋
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The Variegated Rajah (Charaxes kahruba) is a striking member of the Charaxinae, the rajahs and nawabs within the family Nymphalidae. It is a large butterfly, with a wingspan of roughly 90–115 mm, and is characterised by rich ochre, yellowish-brown and dark brown tones, intricate underside markings and the characteristic tails of many Charaxes.
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In India, its known distribution extends from Uttarakhand through Sikkim and into Northeast India, where it occurs in forested landscapes.
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Like several rajahs, it is not necessarily a butterfly that spends its time conspicuously visiting flowers. Individuals can be encountered mud-puddling or visiting carrion and other decaying organic matter, obtaining salts and nutrients that are difficult to obtain from nectar alone. In the Garo Hills, for example, C. kahruba has been recorded mud-puddling and feeding on rotting crabs.
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The Variegated Rajah is also legally protected in India under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.
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A powerful butterfly with an understated palette—its beauty becomes especially apparent when you stop and study the intricate details beneath its wings.
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Variegated Rajah
Charaxes kahruba (Moore, 1895)
#Nymphalidae
2026-09-12
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India by @wearenaturalists

166

24

9 days ago

A fleeting orange spark over dry country, the Plain Orange-tip brings a touch of colour to the open landscape 😉🦋
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The Plain Orange-tip (Colotis aurora) is a delicate butterfly of the family Pieridae, belonging to the tribe Colotini. Its relatively clean wing pattern and warm orange markings give it the understated elegance typical of the Colotis group.
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In India, the species occurs mainly across peninsular and central India, with its range extending from Rajasthan and Gujarat through Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh and southwards into Kerala. The recognised Indian subspecies is Colotis aurora aurora.
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Like other orange-tips and Arabs, its life cycle is closely connected with Capparaceae plants. The caterpillars of C. aurora have been recorded feeding on Cadaba fruticosa, a shrub that serves as an important larval host plant.
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Its association with dry and open habitats, together with its relatively small size and quick flight, can make it an easy butterfly to overlook. But when it settles, the subtle contrast of its wings becomes a reminder that beauty in nature isn't always loud or elaborate.
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Plain Orange-tip
Colotis aurora (Cramer, [1780])
#Pieridae
Pune, Maharashtra
2026-10-03
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Pune, Maharashtra by @wearenaturalists

136

18

11 days ago

A dark-winged swallowtail gliding through the Himalayan forests, its crimson crescents flashing like sparks in flight 🦋
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The Common Windmill (Byasa polyeuctes) is a striking tailed swallowtail of the family Papilionidae, found across the Himalayan and northeastern landscapes of India. Its elongated black wings, prominent white markings and red submarginal crescents on the hindwings give it the distinctive appearance shared by the windmills.
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It is particularly associated with forests and wooded river valleys, where its leisurely, gliding flight can make it surprisingly easy to recognise once familiar. The species is widespread across the Himalayan region, extending from Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand eastwards through Sikkim and Northeast India. Two subspecies are currently recognised in India: B. p. letincius in the western Himalaya and B. p. polyeuctes from Sikkim eastwards.
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The Common Windmill belongs to the tribe Troidini, a group of swallowtails whose larvae are associated with plants of the Aristolochiaceae family. Like other windmills, its long tails and contrasting markings contribute to its unmistakable silhouette.
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Common Windmill
Byasa polyeuctes (Doubleday, 1842)
#Papilionidae
2026-09-12
Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India by @wearenaturalists

327

40

12 days ago

A delicate map of wings pauses upon an unlikely forest buffet, finding nourishment where decay turns into opportunity 😉🦋
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The Common Map (Cyrestis thyodamas) is a beautifully patterned butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Cyrestinae, recognised by its pale wings crossed by intricate, map-like dark lines. It is strongly associated with forested habitats, particularly areas with moisture and water, and is known to visit wet ground for mineral-rich fluids.
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This observation is particularly fascinating: the butterfly was photographed feeding on or around the stinkhorn fungus Phallus lutescens. While the behaviour is unusual to encounter, butterflies are known to obtain nutrients from sources other than flowers. Decaying organic matter, animal fluids and other nutrient-rich substrates can provide salts and other compounds that are valuable to adult butterflies.
The Common Map itself is also known to visit flowers, but its association with wet ground and mineral uptake makes this kind of unconventional feeding observation especially interesting.
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Phallus lutescens is a stinkhorn fungus, and its strong odour is part of its reproductive strategy, attracting insects that can help disperse its spores. So, in this tiny forest interaction, a fungus using scent to attract insects and a butterfly seeking nutrients from the same environment briefly intersect
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Common Map
Cyrestis thyodamas
Boisduval, 1846
#Nymphalidae
Pune, Maharashtra
2026-10-02
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Pune, Maharashtra by @wearenaturalists

296

51

15 days ago

A crimson flame drifting through the green heart of the Sahyadris 🦋
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Not a perfect picture as it moves a lot for nectaring, but this one is still one of my favourites. The Sahyadri Lacewing (Cethosia mahratta) is a striking butterfly of the Western Ghats, belonging to the family Nymphalidae and subfamily Heliconiinae. Its vivid orange-red wings, boldly marked with black and delicately patterned margins, make it one of the more spectacular butterflies encountered in the forests of the Sahyadris.
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Unlike many butterflies that rely primarily on camouflage, the Sahyadri Lacewing carries a conspicuous appearance that makes it immediately noticeable as it glides through the forest. Its slow, floating flight can be particularly beautiful to watch in the filtered light of evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
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The caterpillars are associated with passion vines (Passifloraceae). Documented larval host plants include Adenia hondala, Passiflora edulis and Passiflora subpeltata.
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There is also an interesting taxonomic history behind this butterfly: Cethosia mahratta has traditionally been treated by some authorities as a distinct species, while other treatments have regarded it as a subspecies of Cethosia nietneri.
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Sahyadri Lacewing
Cethosia mahratta
Moore, 1872
#Nymphalidae
2026-09-26
Karkala, Karnataka
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective taken in Karkal, Karnataka, India by @wearenaturalists

350

77

16 days ago

Thread by thread, a tiny architect folds a leaf into a shelter for its transformation ✨🦋
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A caterpillar's world is built from leaves—and the Conjoined Swift (Pelopidas conjuncta) is a remarkable little architect. Rather than simply resting exposed on its food plant, the caterpillar uses silk to draw and fasten parts of a leaf together, gradually creating a small protective leaf cell or shelter in which it can hide.
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This behaviour is characteristic of many skipper caterpillars, whose larvae use silk not only to secure themselves but also to construct shelters from leaves. For the Conjoined Swift, recorded larval host plants include a variety of grasses as well as bamboo, rice, sugarcane, sorghum and maize.
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In India, Pelopidas conjuncta has two recognized subspecies: P. c. conjuncta in the Himalayas and Northeast, Andaman & Nicobar, and P. c. narooa across parts of western, southern and eastern India.
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Watching the caterpillar carefully thread silk between leaves reveals a fascinating side of butterfly natural history—construction, protection and survival happening at a microscopic scale.
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Conjoined Swift
Pelopidas conjuncta
#Hesperiidae
2026-09-30
Thane, Maharashtra
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#Shotonvivo #vivoiceCollective
#macroprophotography taken in Lodha Splendora by @wearenaturalists

308

55

17 days ago