Invertebrates

Buzzing with life

Of the many kinds of insects, the colorful and easy to spot butterflies are often of interest.

Butterflies

Photo: Wolfgang Dittus

In Sri Lanka 244 species of butterfly have been recorded and 21 of these are endemic. At Polonnaruwa, different species occur seasonally in synchrony with plant phenological activity. Our field camp and site are excellent locations for easily observing butterflies in abundance. For example, fluttering at our site are the rare Gaudy Baron (Euthalia lubentina), Common Banded Peacock (Papilio crino), Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus), Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector) and many others. Our field research station has a list.

Other invertebrates

The numbers and variety of insect species to be seen are numerous. Here we offer a sampling of some images.

Photo: W. Dittus
Red Dragon

Photo: Yaniv Edry
Beetle

Photo: Barney Wilczak
Termite Mound

Photo: Tatiana Dittus
Freshwater Lobster