Male Common Emigrant

This butterfly is the most common among the six species of Grass yellows that are found in Kerala. Though often found flying languidly over grassy patches, this small, fragile insect has nothing to do with grass. Its food plants are Cassia legume and other legumes. It is on the wing throughout the year, except during winter extremes. It is often seen on garden flowers and on damp patches where the mud is puddled.

The subtle identifying mark between the male and female common emigrant is the narrow black border found across the male’s wings. Both sexes are of similar size, with a wingspan between 55-60 mm.