Blue Tiger
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameBlue Tiger
Scientific NameTirumala limniace
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatOpen forests, scrublands, gardens, plains, hills
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, parts of China
Host PlantsAsclepias curassavica, Ceropegia bulbosa, Cynanchum callialata, Marsdenia tinctoria
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, peaks after monsoon
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are striped with yellow and black, featuring fleshy filaments. Pupae are green and chrysalis-like.
Identification TipsRecognizable by its black wings with numerous bluish-white streaks and spots. It exhibits a slow, gliding flight and is often seen in groups. Can be differentiated from similar species by the extent and arrangement of its bluish-white markings.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with black wings extensively marked with semi-transparent bluish-white spots and streaks, giving it a distinctive 'tiger' pattern.
