Common Aeroplane
Common NameCommon Aeroplane
Scientific NameNeptis hylas
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, scrubland, gardens, often near water bodies
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Japan)
Host PlantsRicinus communis, Acacia, Grewia, Ziziphus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, March to November in temperate parts of its range
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown with spines, feeding on leaves before pupating into a camouflaged chrysalis.
Identification TipsIdentified by its characteristic gliding flight and the pattern of white bands on dark brown wings, including a broad white band across the hindwing and a broken white band on the forewing.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings prominently marked with white bands and spots, giving it a distinctive striped appearance.
