Common Sailor or Neptis hylas

The small state of Kerala is proud to have a wide variety of flora and fauna. There are 330- varieties of butterflies in the state, 37 of which are endemic to the region.

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.

Common Sailor or Neptis hylas is the only species in the butterfly genus Neptis having rich golden brown underside. It is also the most common and widely distributed member of the genus.

The upper side of Common Sailor is black with white markings. The fore wings have white streaks, and a series of spots. The hind wing is with a basal broad white band and an outer series of square shaped white spots. The wingspan is 50-60mm.

Common Sailor flies by flapping the wings repeatedly and then gliding along gracefully. Visits flowers, damp patches and are attracted even to human body sweat, but does not participate in large, joint mud puddling. Often seen basking in the sun, Common Sailors are quite bold butterflies and can be approached very near.

Common sailors can be found in most of the oriental regions except regions like Philippines.