Banded Royal
Common NameBanded Royal
Scientific NameTajuria cippus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorswhite, brown, orange, black, blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsDendrophthoe, Macrosolen, Scurrula
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, pupate, and emerge as adults.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive white underside with a broad brown band, the orange and blue eyespot near the hindwing tornus, and the two slender tails on each hindwing.
Description
This small butterfly has a white underside with a broad brown band along the forewing costa and hindwing margin. Its hindwings feature a prominent orange spot, bordered by black and iridescent blue, and two delicate tails.
