Blue Diadem Butterfly
Common NameBlue Diadem Butterfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas salmacis
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeWest and Central Africa
Host PlantsAsystasia gangetica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva, pupa, adult. Eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and feed on leaves. Pupation occurs as a chrysalis, typically suspended from a leaf or stem.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its deep black wings with brilliant, metallic blue bands. The blue on the hindwing is typically a broad, continuous band, while on the forewing it forms more distinct patches. Look for the white apical spots on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings featuring prominent iridescent blue bands across both forewings and hindwings, often with small white spots near the forewing apex.
