Baronet is a beautiful butterfly occurring in India and Sri Lanka. In India, the species is found from the Himalayas to southern India. It is usually found on the wing during the summer, monsoon and autumn seasons. The species has a strong relationship with the Sal tree which is its host plant. Its light green color caterpillar with bright purple dorsal spots feeds on the leaves of the Sal tree.
Butterflies, in their adult stage, feed on nectar of plants and help with the process of pollination. Butterflies populations are increasingly getting affected by the excessive use of pesticides and insecticides, destruction of habitat due to land use change for developmental works, volatile agricultural practices, spread of invasive plant species and human induced climatic changes.
Baronet is not a very common butterfly species of Corbett Tiger Reserve. This beautiful specimen was recorded at Jim’s Jungle Retreat, located on the southern boundary of Corbett Tiger Reserve, by our Naturalist Jeewan Rautela. Corbett Tiger Reserve is a rich habitat for butterflies with close to 200 species being present in the area.
Early winter is a very good time to look for Butterflies in the foothills of Himalayas and Dhela and Jhirna Tourism Zones of Corbett Tiger Reserve, located close to Jim’s Jungle Retreat, offer amazing opportunities for butterfly-watching.