Introduction
The genus Sinthusa comprises of about 20 species variously distributed from n.e. India to Thailand, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and the Philippines.
The butterflies are popularly known as Sparks, due to the dazzling metallic blue iridescence on their upperside hindwings. The undersides vary considerably according to species – nasaka for example is quite plain and strongly reminiscent of Zeltus, while chandrana and verena are strongly marked with irregularly arranged maculae.
Sinthusa chandrana is the commonest and most widely distributed species, being found from n.e. India to China and Vietnam.
Habitats
This species inhabits rainforest and humid deciduous forest at elevation between about 200-1000m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Psidium (Myrtaceae) and Dioscorea (Dioscoreaceae).
Adult behaviour
Males are invariably encountered singly, perching on foliage in dappled sunlight. Both sexes rest with the wings held erect, and constantly wiggle the antennae-like tails on the hindwings with a scissor-like motion. This action diverts the attention of predators away from the head of the butterfly, and fools birds into aiming their attack at the hindwings rather than the body.
