Common Leopard

The common leopard, getting its name from the marking on its wings is small butterfly with a wingspan of 35-50. This species are found in small groups and are endemic to the edges of Shola forest and the grasslands of the western ghats. They are also found in the Himalayas. The two pictures were taken on a hot afternoon in a garden at Vengurla(Not In Goa), India. But I have spotted this butterfly in Goa.

 The Common Leopard has black markings on outerside of the wings but has bluish-purple shine on the underside. The shine is more prominent in females.

 The Common Leopard is very easy to photograph coz of its moderate flight speed and the fact that it often settles of branches of small shrubs and avoids shady area. Best time/place to find The Common Leopard will be in the afternoon heat in some open place with shrubs/grass.

 Another interesting fact about the Common Leopard is that it guards its territory. Wile basking it chases of other butterflies with a very high flight speed. This is mostly related to 'perching'-Mate-locating Stratergy.