Cruiser butterfly
Image: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand (CC0)
Common NameCruiser butterfly
Scientific NameVindula arsinoe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsorange, brown, black, white
HabitatRainforests, forest edges, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia (Queensland)
Host PlantsPassiflora species
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other Nymphalids, it undergoes complete metamorphosis, with larvae feeding on Passiflora vines and pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsMales are orange-brown with fine black borders, while females are distinguished by dark forewing tips and a prominent broad pale band across their wings, both sexes having hindwing eyespots.
Description
The female Cruiser butterfly has dark tips on its forewings and a broad pale band across the center of each forewing, extending onto the hindwing. Its hindwings also feature two small eyespots.
