Painted Sawtooth

Prioneris sita is a sawtooth butterfly in Pieridae. It resembles the Common Jezebel, Delias eucharis, but belongs to a different genus. [1][2][3]

The hindwing underside combines yellow fields, black veins and a row of red marginal markings. This pattern resembles that of the Common Jezebel, Delias eucharis. [2][3]

The species is recorded in southern India and Sri Lanka. Indian records include Kerala’s Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary; the Sri Lankan rearing study recorded material from approximately 600–1,200 metres. [2][4][6]

Sri Lankan rearing observations recorded relatively slow larval development and pupal periods of eight or nine days. [4]

In Sri Lanka, larvae were reared on Capparis moonii. Young larvae preferred tender leaves; older larvae ate mature foliage. The rearing observations confirmed this plant as a larval host. [4]

Painted Sawtooth is the common name used for Prioneris sita in regional accounts. [3]

Sri Lanka’s 2012 national assessment listed Prioneris sita as Endangered. [4]

The ventral view shows the yellow fields and red marginal accents beneath the hindwing. Dark veins divide these colours into separate regions. [2][3]

The illustration uses strong contours and distinct yellow, red and dark fields to preserve the adult pattern. The contrast between veins and surrounding colour gives the composition its structure.

Protect framed specimens from direct daylight and damp conditions. Keep the scientific name and locality records with the collection information. [5]

What do the larvae eat? Sri Lankan rearing observations confirmed Capparis moonii, with younger larvae feeding on tender leaves and older larvae accepting mature foliage. [4]