Club Beak
Common NameClub Beak
Scientific NameLibythea myrrha
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLibytheinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsdark brown, orange
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, China, Japan)
Host PlantsCeltis spp. (hackberry)
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with pale stripes and feed on Celtis leaves before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive dark brown and orange wing pattern, particularly the prominent orange patches on the forewings. The most unique feature is the long, pointed, forward-projecting palpi that resemble a beak or snout.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings adorned with striking, irregular orange patches and bands. It is characterized by its unusually long, forward-projecting labial palpi, giving it a 'snout' or 'beak' appearance.
