Cream-spotted Sailor
Common NameCream-spotted Sailor
Scientific NameNeptis nata
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, forest edges, often near streams
Geographic RangeSouth Asia (India, Sri Lanka), Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China)
Host PlantsAcacia, Rubus, Elaeagnus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically cryptic, often green or brown, and pupate into a suspended chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown ground color with broad, cream-white bands across both forewings and hindwings, along with a series of distinct cream-colored submarginal spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings prominently marked with cream-white bands and distinct spots, creating a striking striped and spotted pattern.
