Tamil Nadu Butterfly Migration

Lately, Tamil Nadu witnessed the arrival of these butterflies from subfamily Danainae called tigers and crows mass migration. Indian butterflies that moved from the east coast to the westMountain region in India. This was futurespreading even more than in 2023.

Brief Introduction on Danainae Butterfly Migration

• Danainae Sub-family includes butterflies — Blue Tiger, Dark blue tiger double branded crow and common Crow
• The butterflies migrate twice a year, before the northeast monsoon and after the southwest monsoon.
• TNBS has been monitoring this migration since 2013.
• The migration had its peak on September 28, 2023, where bands of butterflies traversed places like Yercaud…
• The migration was associated with a more favorable condition during the SW Monsoon as multiple rainfall events lead to conducive breeding environment for butterflies.
• Major corridors have been identified in the Sathayamangalam and Dimbam hill ranges, as well as districts such Coimbatore, Madurai, Nilgiris.
• Few other butterfly species seen: Lemon Pansy, Tawny Coster, Common Emigrant and Chocolate Pansy