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 side of the wings is dark brown with orange-red patches near the hindwings. The underside is strikingly decorated with silvery white lines, orange bands, and black markings. Fine tail-like extensions on the hindwings enhance its distinctive appearance.
The Common Silverline is a small, active butterfly that flies rapidly among low vegetation and shrubs. It frequently perches with its wings closed, displaying the intricate underside patterns. Like many hairstreaks, it often moves its hindwings while at rest, creating the illusion of a false head to confuse predators.
The Common Silverline is a resident species and is not known to undertake long-distance migrations. Local seasonal movements may occur in response to food availability and habitat conditions.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants, mainly species of Acacia, Albizia, and related plants belonging to the family Fabaceae. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with increased activity during and after the monsoon season.
The false-head mechanism created by the hindwing tails and markings helps divert predator attacks away from the butterfly's head. The silvery lines and cryptic patterns provide camouflage when resting. Associations with ants enhance larval survival and protection from predators.
Adults feed primarily on flower nectar and occasionally obtain minerals from damp soil. Caterpillars feed on leaves, flower buds, and young shoots of host plants. The larvae often maintain mutualistic relationships with ants, which provide protection in exchange for sugary secretions.
The Common Silverline inhabits scrublands, open forests, woodland edges, grasslands, agricultural fields, orchards, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.
