Tamil yeoman: now Tamil Nadu’s State Butterfly

July 2, 2019

Butterfly species Tamil yeoman (Cirrochroa thais) has been officially declared as state butterfly of Tamil Nadu. The southern State formally notified this by an order on lines of the State Tree (Palm), Bird (Emerald Dove), Flower (Gloriosa) and Animal (Nilgiri Tahr).

About Tamil yeoman

Scientific Name: Cirrochroa thais

It is also known as Tamizh Maravan (which means warrior).

This butterfly species is endemic to Western Ghats. It is among 32 butterfly species found in Western Ghats but mainly in the hilly areas.

Features: Uniformly orange in colour with a dark brown outer ring.

This butterfly species moves in groups in large numbers, but only in a few places.

Why Tamil yeoman?

It was chosen for honour after both Tamil Nadu Forest Department and state conservation groups decided to work together to identify a butterfly species that could be iconic, easily recognisable and easy to spot, and a the same time serve as another symbol of State.

Key Facts

For the 1st time Tamil Nadu has declared its state butterfly. With this it becomes only 5th in country to do so.

Maharashtra was 1st to declare Blue Mormon as its state butterfly, followed by Common peacock in Uttarakhand, Southern bird wings in Karnataka and Malabar banded peacock in Kerala.