Common Red Flash
Common NameCommon Red Flash
Scientific NameRapala iarbus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, orange, black, blue
HabitatTropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsAcacia, Ixora, Litchi, Nephelium, Schleichera
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically slug-shaped, feeding on leaves or flower buds, and pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsKey features include the plain brown underside with distinct black, orange, and blue markings near the hindwing tornus, along with two delicate tails on each hindwing. The upperside, if visible, is a brilliant iridescent red or orange.
Description
A small butterfly with a plain brown to greyish-brown underside, featuring a prominent black spot ringed with orange and an iridescent blue patch near the two filamentous tails on each hindwing.
