IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The wings are rich brown with a broad orange to reddish-orange band crossing both forewings and hindwings. Fine black markings and spots enhance the wing pattern. The underside is paler and more cryptically patterned, helping the butterfly blend into its surroundings.
The Baronet is a strong, active, and fast-flying butterfly. It prefers shaded woodland habitats and is often seen gliding through forest clearings and along paths. Adults frequently rest on leaves and tree trunks and are known to visit damp patches, fallen fruits, and tree sap. Males can be territorial and actively patrol their habitat.
The Baronet is a resident species and does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local movements may occur in response to seasonal changes in food availability and habitat conditions.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants preferrably the Sal tree or in urban areas on species belonging to the family Anacardiaceae, including mango (Mangifera indica). Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with peak activity often occurring during and after the monsoon season.
Its strong flight enables efficient movement through dense forests and helps avoid predators. The cryptic coloration of the wing underside provides camouflage when resting with closed wings. Caterpillars possess protective coloration that helps them blend with host plant foliage.
Adults feed on tree sap, fermenting fruits, flower nectar, and mineral-rich moisture from damp soil. Caterpillars feed primarily on the leaves of sal tree, though they may also consume leves from mango and other host plants belonging to the Anacardiaceae family.
The Baronet is primarily found in tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, wooded hillsides, plantations, orchards, and well-vegetated gardens.
