Beautiful Leopard
Common NameBeautiful Leopard
Scientific NamePhalanta phalantha
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen country, forest clearings, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, parts of Africa, and Australia
Host PlantsFlacourtia, Salix, Populus, Ricinus communis
Flight PeriodAll year round in tropical regions; multiple broods in temperate areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and dark, feeding on leaves. Pupae are suspended head-down.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its striking orange and black leopard-like spotting pattern across both upper and lower wing surfaces. The antennae are black with an orange club.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings densely covered in numerous small, rounded black spots, giving it a distinctive leopard-like appearance.
