IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The species exhibits sexual dimorphism. Males are predominantly olive-brown to dark brown with pale greenish markings, while females are larger and display more varied patterns with lighter markings. The underside is cryptically colored, helping the butterfly blend into foliage and bark.
The Common Baron is a swift and powerful flyer, often seen darting through trees and shrubs. It is highly active during sunny weather and frequently rests on leaves with wings partially open. Males are territorial and patrol their preferred habitats in search of mates and feeding opportunities.
The Common Baron is considered a resident species and does not undertake long-distance migrations. Local seasonal movements may occur in response to food availability, climatic conditions, and breeding opportunities.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants, particularly mango (Mangifera indica) and other members of the family Anacardiaceae. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with peak activity often observed during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Its cryptic coloration provides excellent camouflage among leaves and tree bark. Strong flight muscles enable rapid escape from predators. The caterpillar resembles a leaf with spines and projections that help deter predators and enhance camouflage.
Adults primarily feed on tree sap, fermenting fruits, flower nectar, and other organic substances. They are less frequently observed visiting flowers than many other butterfly species. Caterpillars feed mainly on leaves of mango and related host plants.
The Common Baron inhabits tropical and subtropical forests, woodland edges, orchards, plantations, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.
