Fauna
Insect

Two-tailed Pasha

Charaxes jasius

Also known as Foxy Emperor

Two-tailed Pashas are among the largest and fastest-flying butterflies in southern Europe, renowned for their powerful, darting flight and bold wing patterns. Males aggressively defend prominent hilltop territories, perching on high branches to chase off intruding insects and even small birds. Unlike many floral-visiting butterflies, adults feed almost exclusively on fermented fruit, sap bleeds, and mineral-rich animal dung.

TerritorialFast FlierFruit Feeder
Two-tailed Pasha reference1 / 7
(c) Gilles San Martin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Gilles San Martin · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyStrawberry Tree Leaves, Fermenting Fruit, Tree Sap
Predators
  • Birds
  • Lizards
  • Praying Mantises
ThreatsSevere wildfires, habitat loss, and pesticide spraying in orchards
HabitatsMediterranean maquis, coastal pine forests, warm river valleys, and orchards
Life span2–3 months as adult
Classification
  1. FamilyNymphalidae
  2. SpeciesCharaxes jasius
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Attract with Fruit: Set out overripe bananas or oranges in sunny spots to lure adults down from high trees.
  • Look for Hilltopping: Search high ridge lines or prominent trees on hot afternoons to spot territorial males.
Related species
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