Black-spotted Flash
Common NameBlack-spotted Flash
Scientific NameRapala manea
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale grey, white, black, orange
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeIndia, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsAcacia, Bridelia, Cinnamomum, Ixora, Lantana, Mangifera, Nephelium, Shorea, Syzygium
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on young leaves or flower buds, typically pupating on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for the pale greyish-white underside with faint striations, a distinct black spot often ringed with orange on the hindwing near the tornus, and the presence of short, filamentous tails with orange and black markings at their base.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale greyish-white underside, featuring faint transverse lines and a prominent black spot ringed with orange near the hindwing tornus, often with short tails.
