This is a common butterfly in India and is generally found in south and south East Asia and even Australia. The ones found in southern India migrate during monsoons.
Since it is among the slow flying butterflies, it provides good opportunity for some well composed photographs.
These Butterfly are remarkable for their striking colours and beautiful patterns on their wings. The upper side of Common Sailor is black with white markings. The fore wings have white streaks, and a series of spots. The hind wing is with a basal broad white band and an outer series of square shaped white spots. The wingspan is 50-60mm. Often seen basking in the sun, Common Sailors are quite bold butterflies and can be approached very near.
The peacock pansy and the grey pansy are more common near water bodies. The underside of this butterfly is paler with faint markings. Upperside pale grey or lavender-brown with dark grayish brown markings.