Autumn Leaf
Image: Mhlayson (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameAutumn Leaf
Scientific NameDoleschallia bisaltide
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, China, and Australia
Host PlantsPseuderanthemum, Graptophyllum, Artocarpus, Sida, Strobilanthes, Ruellia, Asystasia, Ficus
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, often dark with yellow or red markings. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged as a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dead-leaf mimicry on the underside, characterized by mottled brown patterns and a prominent dark line resembling a leaf vein. The wing shape, with an angled forewing apex and slightly irregular hindwing margin, is also a key feature.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly renowned for its remarkable dead-leaf mimicry on the underside, which is typically mottled brown with a prominent dark line resembling a leaf midrib. The upperside is usually vibrant orange and black.
