| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Arthropoda |
| Class | Insecta |
| Order | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Papilionidae |
| Genus | Papilio |
| Species | P. buddha |
| Binomial name | Papilio buddha |
The Malabar Banded Peacock (Papilio buddha) is the official state butterfly of Kerala. It is a beautiful and rare species
of swallowtail butterfly found mainly in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot that stretches through Kerala.
This butterfly is known for its shimmering green and blue bands on dark wings, resembling the feathers of a peacock.
It thrives in evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, especially in areas like Silent Valley and Periyar.
The Malabar Banded Peacock is not only a symbol of Kerala’s rich natural heritage but also plays an important role in
pollination and maintaining ecological balance. Its selection as the state butterfly helps raise awareness about butterfly
conservation and forest protection.
It truly represents the vibrant biodiversity and environmental consciousness of Kerala.