Common Palmfly
Common NameCommon Palmfly
Scientific NameElymnias hypermnestra
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, blue, reddish-brown, white
HabitatForests, forest edges, plantations, gardens, areas with palm trees
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, Phoenix dactylifera, Areca catechu
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods in tropical regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host palms. Larvae are green with a rough texture, possessing two caudal filaments and a horned head capsule. Pupae are green and suspended head-down.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive iridescent blue patches on the forewing tips and the reddish-brown hindwing margins with a series of small white or pinkish spots on the dorsal side. The underside is cryptic, resembling a dead leaf.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings. The forewings feature striking iridescent blue patches near the apex, while the hindwings have broad reddish-brown margins adorned with a series of small white or pinkish submarginal spots.
