Clear Sailer
Common NameClear Sailer
Scientific NameNeptis ida
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, near streams
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsSmilax spp., Grewia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, often more abundant during wet seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsLook for its dark wings with striking white markings, including a broad white band across the hindwings and a broken band with additional spots on the forewings. Its characteristic 'sailing' flight pattern is also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings featuring prominent white bands and spots. The forewing has a broad, broken white discal band and a series of subapical white spots, while the hindwing displays a continuous white median band.
