Blue Spangled Prince
Common NameBlue Spangled Prince
Scientific NameHypolimnas anthedon
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, light blue, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSub-Saharan Africa (West, Central, East Africa)
Host PlantsAsystasia, Ruellia, Fleurya
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, typically dark with lighter markings. Pupae are suspended head down. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism and mimicry in some forms.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark wings with a distinct pattern of white/light blue spots on the forewings and a broad light blue marginal band on the hindwings, which also possess multiple tails and small orange spots. The underside is often cryptic brown.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with dark blue to black wings. The forewings feature a series of prominent white to light blue spots, while the hindwings display a broad, scalloped band of light blue along the outer margin, often with small orange markings near the tails.
