Common Sailer
Common NameCommon Sailer
Scientific NameNeptis hylas
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Malaysia)
Host PlantsDalbergia latifolia, Acacia caesia, Ricinus communis, Ziziphus mauritiana
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, seasonal elsewhere
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green or brown with spines, feeding on leaves. Pupae are green or brown, often suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with a characteristic pattern of white bands and spots, including a broad white band across the hindwing and a broken discal band on the forewing. Its distinctive gliding flight is also a key identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring prominent white bands and spots, giving it a distinctive striped appearance. The body is dark with some iridescent green on the thorax.
