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 upper wings are pale greenish-white crossed by dark brown to black bands and markings. The hindwings possess short tail-like projections characteristic of the genus Polyura. The underside displays a complex pattern of pale green, brown, and white markings that provide camouflage among foliage.
The Common Nawab is a strong and fast flyer, often seen darting through the forest canopy and along woodland paths. It is highly alert and rarely remains stationary for long periods. Adults frequently perch on leaves or tree trunks and are known for their territorial behavior. They are often attracted to fallen fruits, tree sap, and damp ground rather than flowers.
The Common Nawab is considered a resident species and does not undertake regular long-distance migrations. Local seasonal dispersal may occur in response to habitat conditions and food availability.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants, mainly species belonging to the family Fabaceae, including Acacia and related trees. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with population peaks often observed during and after the monsoon season.
Its powerful flight enables rapid movement through dense forests and effective predator avoidance. The tail-like extensions on the hindwings may divert predator attacks away from vital body parts. Cryptic coloration on the wing undersides enhances camouflage when the butterfly rests with closed wings. Its caterpillars have a unique helmet-shaped head with protective projections
Adults primarily feed on fermenting fruits, tree sap, animal droppings, and mineral-rich moisture from damp soil. They visit flowers less frequently than many other butterfly species. Caterpillars feed on the leaves of various leguminous host plants.
The Common Nawab inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, secondary woodlands, plantations, orchards, gardens, and urban green spaces near wooded habitats.
