Dakhan Common Acacia Blue (Surendra quercetorum biplagiata)

This is the butterfly of Lycaenids or Blues family because the upperwings of male Acacia Blue has blue colour [ifoundbutterflies]. Female was seen in Soneri-bag area of lake side in IITB campus. Swapnil and I observed female laying eggs on some Acacia spp. plant. This was first time we have seen this butterfly in the campus. Female was often seen around noon near its larval host plant. This plant is shared by Common Nawab also. Female laid an egg on thorn of this plant.
Its caterpillar has friendly association with ants. Ants constantly protect caterpillar againts parasites attacks. In return caterpillar secretes sweet liquid- honey dew, for ants!!

See also: http://www.ifoundbutterflies.net/371-surendra/surendra-quercetorum-dp1

Female laying an egg Caterpillar attended  by ants Newly emerged female Newly emerged male
Egg of C. Acacia Blue Newly emerged caterpillar(1st in-star)
Caterpillar attended by ants Pupa of C. Acacia Blue

Birds of IITB- Prinia

The Prinia

Prinia is a small bird which is very common in our campus. It is typically less than 15cm in length. If you want to spot one, just go to the lake side by evening. You are sure to find a few of them playing in the tall grass by the water front. During flight, they make a sound similar to that of sparking due to the movement of their wings. Prinia typically nests close to the ground, either in grass or on shrubs. They are insectivorous and belong to the same order as the common sparrow

Personally, I am a bit partial to this bird as it has a very sweet voice and more than one call. It is also rather easy to photograph. If anyone reading this is interested in bird photography, I strongly suggest starting with the prinia. We have the ashy prinia (Prinia socialis) and plain prinia (Prinia inornata) on campus.

Nature @ IITB – Conservation program

Nature @ IITB – Conservation program

Flowering Trees: Pongamia pinnata (करंज)

Pongamia pinnata (Marathi: करंज) is mediun size tree. It is found everywhere in our campus. It is important larval host plant for number of butterflies such as Common Banded Awl (Hasora chromus), Common cerulean, Forget-me-not, Indian Sunbeam to name a few. Many Dark Ceruleans and Tailess Lineblue are seen nectoring on its flowers. It has  been seen flowering in months of December-Jan

The seeds after drying are used in bio-diesel making.

Flowers

Seeds	Leaves
Empty pupa of skipper on Pongamia pinnata

Flowering Trees: Red Silk Cotton Tree (शाल्मली / शेवर)

Flower of Red cotton silk tree

A large dark red/ magenta colored flower of "silk cotton tree" attracts every nature wanderer during summer trails. There exists a very similar species, white flowers is the sole difference. Flower with five petals blooms during spring months (January to March), while tree losses all its leaves as many other tree do. Many birds like drongo, jungle babbler, common crow etc. feed on the flowers. 


This native tree can grow up-to 30 m. Thorns on the stem and branches is its characteristic ID. Tree is largely famous as it bears its relation with a famous festival of Holi. In Konkan region, the decorated tree, decorated with Mango leaves and flowers, is worshiped.  Tree is then burnt in the night and Holi is celebrated. The availability of this tree is larger and confidently its leafless during the same month when Holi is celebrated. The fruits appear in the month of April may and has fiber inside. Often seen them flying with the hot summer winds. Fibers are used in the pillows by villagers. Wood is light and makes it use in building structures used in water. 

Quick Facts:

Common Name: Red Silk Cotton Tree (Sanskrit: शाल्मली / Marathi: शेवर)

Botanical Name: Bombax ceiba

Family: Baobab

Flowers: Large, red/magenta colored with 5 petals

Location on campus: All over academic area and hill side, a common tree.

Jungle Babbler feeding on Red Cotton Silk Tree