Autumn Leaf Butterfly
Common NameAutumn Leaf Butterfly
Scientific NameDoleschallia polibete
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, orange, black
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and parts of Australia
Host PlantsPseuderanthemum, Graptophyllum, Eranthemum, Asystasia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on plants from the Acanthaceae family. The pupa is also camouflaged, resembling a dead leaf or twig, hanging head down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dead-leaf mimicry on the underside, including the pointed forewing apex and hindwing tail-like projection. The upperside, if seen, is bright orange with black borders and a subapical band on the forewing.
Description
This butterfly exhibits remarkable camouflage, with its underside closely mimicking a dead leaf, featuring mottled brown patterns, prominent 'veins', and small eyespots. The upperside (not visible here) is typically bright orange with black markings.
