Commander
Image: Pranamikaadhikary (CC0)
Common NameCommander
Scientific NameModuza procris
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsorange, brown, white, black
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, gardens, riverine areas
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China)
Host PlantsRubus, Salix, Mussaenda, Wendlandia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, often green or brown, camouflaged on leaves. Pupae are typically green or brown, suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive orange-brown base color with broad white post-discal bands on both wings, and the characteristic wavy white subapical markings on the forewing. The underside is similar but paler.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a rich orange-brown ground color, prominent white bands across both forewings and hindwings, and a series of black spots along the hindwing margin. The forewing apex features distinctive wavy white markings.
