Courtesan
Common NameCourtesan
Scientific NameEuripus nyctelius
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyApaturinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsTrema orientalis, Trema tomentosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, often peaking during monsoon season
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically green with spines and feed on specific host plants before pupating into a chrysalis, from which the adult butterfly emerges.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the broad white bands on dark wings, the series of blue spots along the hindwing margin, and its striking yellow eyes. Males are known to mimic other butterfly species, particularly those in the genus *Euploea*.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings adorned with prominent white bands across both forewings and hindwings, and a distinctive row of blue marginal spots on the hindwings. It has a black body with white spots and bright yellow eyes.
