Common Jester
Common NameCommon Jester
Scientific NameSymbrenthia lilaea
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)52
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsBoehmeria, Pouzolzia, Girardinia, Urtica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with increased activity during warmer, wetter months
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on host plants. Larvae are typically spiny, and pupae are often camouflaged, resembling a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bold orange and black striped pattern, particularly the broad orange bands on the hindwings and the more broken, irregular orange markings on the forewings. The somewhat scalloped or jagged wing margins are also a key feature.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly displays a vivid pattern of broad orange bands and irregular patches on a deep black background, with a greenish-brown body. Its wings have somewhat jagged margins, especially on the hindwings.
