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This is a small but very dainty and elegant butterfly found in the Western Ghats. Each hindwing of this butterfly has a long tail and black spots. The spots possibly confuse predators as to which side the head of the animal really is. While the underside of the wings are mostly white the upperside is brown.

The Sahyadri Common Imperial gives the impression of being a weak flyer, but apparently it can move with some speed when disturbed.

I photographed this specimen at the butterfly conservatory in Ponda run by the extremely knowledgable and very affable Yashodan. Butterflies are best seen from the months of August until about December and I highly recommend a trip to the conservatory during this time.