Common Tinsel
Common NameCommon Tinsel
Scientific NameCatapaecilma major
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorssilver-grey, orange, black, blue
HabitatForest clearings, forest edges, gardens, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsTerminalia paniculata, Terminalia tomentosa, Shorea robusta, Xylia xylocarpa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are myrmecophilous, forming a symbiotic relationship with ants that protect them from predators in exchange for honeydew.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive silvery-grey underside with bold orange-red and black bands, along with the small, delicate tails on the hindwings.
Description
A small butterfly with a striking underside pattern of silvery-grey wings adorned with prominent orange-red bands outlined in black, and small filamentous tails on the hindwings.
