Blue Admiral
Common NameBlue Admiral
Scientific NameKaniska canace
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, blue
HabitatForests, forest edges, clearings, hilly and mountainous regions
Geographic RangeAsia (India, China, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia)
Host PlantsUrtica, Boehmeria, Salix, Ulmus, Betula
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, generally warmer months; year-round in tropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, typically green or brown, and pupate into a cryptic chrysalis that resembles a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the striking iridescent blue band on dark wings, especially when the butterfly basks with open wings. The scalloped wing margins are also a key feature.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with dark brown to black wings, prominently marked with a broad, iridescent blue band across both forewings and hindwings. The wing margins are distinctly scalloped.
