India GO
Butterfly · Papilio bianor
Common peacock (swallowtail)
IUCN LC · Least concern
A large dark swallowtail dusted with green and gold scales, with a blue and red eyespot on each hindwing, flying along Himalayan forest roads.
How to recognise it
The green sheen only appears in direct sun. Look at damp patches on forest roads after rain, where several will drink together.
Where to see it
Dehradun
Adopted as the state butterfly of Uttarakhand, under the name West Himalayan common peacock.
Lachhiwala Nature Park (in season) · Maldevta (in season) · Shikhar Falls (in season)
Mussoorie
Adopted as the state butterfly of Uttarakhand, under the name West Himalayan common peacock.
Jabarkhet Nature Reserve (in season) · Mossy Falls (in season) · Bhatta Falls (in season)