Commander
Image: Savitha sahadevan (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameCommander
Scientific NameModuza procris
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatForests, forest edges, open woodlands, often near streams or rivers
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.)
Host PlantsMussaenda spp., Rubiaceae family plants
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks after monsoons
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae are spiny and camouflaged, feeding on leaves. Pupae are typically green or brown and suspended upside down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white band on black wings, which is a key identifying feature. The reddish-orange forewing tip is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black wings featuring a prominent, broad white band extending diagonally across both forewings and hindwings, often with a reddish-orange patch near the forewing apex.
