Apefly
Common NameApefly
Scientific NameSpalgis epius
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyMiletinae
Wingspan (mm)25
Primary Colorsgrey, white, brown
HabitatForests, scrublands, gardens, urban areas, often near host insect colonies
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia
Host Plantsscale insects, mealybugs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUnique among butterflies, the larvae are carnivorous, preying on scale insects and mealybugs. Pupae are often camouflaged to resemble bird droppings.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, pale grey underside with distinctive wavy brown markings, and prominent yellowish-green eyes. It is often found near plants infested with scale insects, its larval food source.
Description
A small, pale grey butterfly with intricate wavy brown lines covering the underside of its wings, and a noticeably hairy body. Its prominent eyes are yellowish-green.
