A butterfly is a flying insect of the order Lepidoptera belonging to one of the super families of Hesperioidea and Papilionoidea. These insects are remarkable for their striking colours and beautiful patterns on their wings.

Kerala is home to about 330 varieties of butterflies. Of these, 37 are native to this region.

India belongs to the oriental zoological region and the geographical features of this part of land are well reflected in the flora and fauna of Kerala, too.

Common Crow (Eupola Core) belongs to the Crows and Tigers sub family of the Nymphalidae family of butterflies. It is one of the most common butterflies found in almost every part of India.

The upper side of the Common Crow is glossy brown with marginal and terminal white spots either equal or decreasing in size. Under side is light brown coloured with markings as above. Wingspan is 80-95mm.

The adult butterflies sail with their abdomens and extended powder puff-like yellow hair pencils. Common Crows are strong migrants with the habit of resting in large numbers before and during migration.

They prefer to visit flowers of Fiddle-leaved Jatropha, Scarlet-bush, Lantana, Common Zinnia, Pink Cocks’ comb, Aztec Marigold, Ber, Land Caltrops, and Euphorbia Geniculata.

Common Crow’s body emits some alkaloids that make the predators sick. These butterflies have tough, leathery wings. When attacked, they ooze a liquid, which causes the predator to release them. This ability contributes to the striking universality of Common Crows.

Apart from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Indonesia, Thailand, China and Australia are some other places where Common Crows can be found.

Courtesy: http://birdwingtours.com/