Common Imperial
Common NameCommon Imperial
Scientific NameCheritra freja
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorswhite, orange, black, blue
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsXylia xylocarpa, Saraca asoca, Acacia pennata, Litchi chinensis, Nephelium lappaceum, Dimocarpus longan
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are slug-like and often myrmecophilous, associating with ants. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the white underside with a prominent orange costal band on the forewing, the specific black and iridescent blue markings at the hindwing tornus, and the very long, delicate white filamentous tails.
Description
A small butterfly with a striking white underside, featuring a bright orange band along the forewing costa and intricate black and iridescent blue markings at the hindwing tornus, from which two exceptionally long, white, ribbon-like tails extend.
