Butterfly Safari in the Western Ghats: a possibility? | Evolve Back Coorg

I wonder if we will ever invent a “butterfly safari”? No, I am not being ambitious here. But for the average wildlife enthusiast or nature lover, the idea of a safari inevitably translates to a wild sojourn on a vehicle. Mammals and birds can be easily identified and photographed on such safaris. How does one get up close with the little critters, moths and butterflies? Add to that the silent flight and lack of “calls” that make these winged wonders incredibly difficult to find. Unless of course you know how to look for them. To study butterflies or their host plants one must spend enough time in their habitat, preferably on foot, where the distance between the observer and the observed is significantly reduced. Such insights may snowball into a greater possibility some day in the future. For now we must limit ourselves to short walks and trails that help us learn about the tiny world in great ways.

No walk through Kodagu’s misty rainforests and spice gardens is complete without the delicious aroma of coffee and cardamom - but also the flutter of delicate wings! The Western Ghats, older than the Himalayas, is a dynamic biodiversity hotspot. There are over 330 species found in these lush hills, each with a fascinating life story tied to specific host plants and habitats. Not to forget the astonishing seasonal migrations, specialised feeding habits, and unique survival strategies.

Between April and June, a little ahead of the Southwest Monsoon, millions of Danaine butterflies - in particular the Dark Blue Tiger, Blue Tiger, Common Crow, and Double-branded Crow, migrate from the Western Ghats to the plains and Eastern Ghats to escape heavy rains. They return to breed between July and September as the monsoon recedes.

Studies indicate that these migrations are "one-way tickets" for many, where mostly the progeny makes the return journey, and sometimes, due to unfavorable conditions, the migration is inhibited.

The striped tiger breeds mostly during the monsoon and post-monsoon months, laying its eggs singly on milkweed plants like Calotropis and Tylophora. It’s been a faithful companion on most of my trails. The caterpillars feed exclusively on the toxic host plants, storing the toxins as a defence against predators. How astounding butterfly biology is! The adults are slow and graceful flyers that feed on a wide range of nectar plants, often gathering in large numbers on flowering shrubs and damp patches.

Wondering what that is? On the edge? Meet the Common sailors that breed through much of the year, laying eggs on plants like the Dalbergia and Desmodium. The larvae rest on the leaf tips and feed mainly at night, using camouflage to avoid detection. The adults prefer dark forest paths and feed on tree sap, rotting fruits, and occasionally nectar.

The Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala septentrionis) breeds during the monsoon, depositing eggs on climbers. There is a certain presence that they have. The adults are strong fliers, often seen migrating. This Dark Blue Tiger is often found feeding on nectar from forest flowers but it isn’t uncommon to find them sipping mineral-rich moisture from wet soil.

If you happen to find the sun-loving lemon pansies just after the rains, they will probably be laying eggs on Hygrophila and Barleria. The adults are often seen basking on open ground and feeding on low-growing flowers while the spiny caterpillars are voracious feeders and grow rapidly.

The Commander is my favourite! It breeds mainly in the warmer months, on forest trees like the Flacourtia. The strong wing patterns, flamboyant pose and that presence! I make sure to photograph them every time I find one. The adults prefer dense forests and are more attracted to fermenting fruit, tree sap, and animal droppings than to flowers. But my fellow butterfly-watcher loves the Tailed jays more! These gorgeous ones breed throughout the year in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Interestingly their caterpillars resemble bird droppings and this serves as an effective anti-predator solution ensuring their survival.

I often overlook the Three-spot Grass Yellow when I walk too fast. Pace is key when we are looking for butterflies and it is important to slow down and step softly. This rather pretty thing, the Three-spot Grass Yellow justifies its name by virtue of the dirty blotches on its wings. Its larvae feed on tender leaves and develop quickly. Now let us talk about a butterfly that isn’t typically “beautiful”. The common banded awl is a handsome fellow that keeps a low profile with noteworthy features. Also behavioural traits. They fly mostly at dawn and dusk. If you look close enough you’ll find its young living inside neatly folded leaf shelters and feeding at night.

Have you ever chanced upon butterfly eggs on succulents like the Kalanchoe? It could be the Red pierrots. Call them shy but the slug-like caterpillars feed discreetly on thick leaves and often remain hidden - ninja mode activated!

And finally we meet my Star of the Trail - the Danaid eggflies! These breed across seasons, lay eggs on Portulaca and Asystasia. It’s remarkable how the females mimic toxic danaid butterflies for protection, while both sexes feed on nectar, rotting fruits, and moist ground.

As butterfly research continues across the Western Ghats, of which Coorgis an integral part, we hope to learn even more about the secret life cycles and plant relationships that sustain these winged wonders of nature.

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