Home / Brush-Footed (Nymphalidae) / Common Map (Cyrestis thyodamas)

Common Map (Cyrestis thyodamas)

The Common Map is a species of butterflies belonging to the nymphalid group and spread across several regions across the Indian subcontinent, and a few other countries. They also have a subspecies in Taiwan.

Scientific Classification

Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Cyrestis
Scientific Name: Cyrestis thyodamas

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

The mature larva is bright green in color with a brown vertical line running across its body. There are four typical horn-like protrusions on the body, with two being on the forehead, one above the thorax region, while another one near the anus. The caterpillar feeds on its shell as it hatches out of its egg.

Pupa

The chrysalis is light brown to orange with light gray or black spots on the back – a shape and pattern that make them look like a dry leaf hanging from their host plant. This is primarily for camouflage purpose.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Not present

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, they display chocolate brown lines running randomly on a white base, with the inner corners of both the primary and secondary wings showing an orange patch. When the wings are closed, they display a similar pattern and color scheme, but in a much fainter variation.

Average wingspan: 58–70 mm

Flight pattern: Slow and erratic

Eggs

Light greenish yellow in color; either domed-shaped or conical

Quick Facts
Distribution	In India’s Himalayan region to Travancore, parts of eastern India, China, Japan, and Taiwan (subspecies)
Habitat	Forest edges, sunny fields and meadows, muddy swamps with tall vegetation
Host plants	Several species belonging to the genus Ficus
Adult diet	Flower nectar