Dot-dash Sailer
Common NameDot-dash Sailer
Scientific NameNeptis nata
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)57.5
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeIndian subcontinent, Southeast Asia (including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, southern China)
Host PlantsAcacia, Dalbergia, Grewia, Lagerstroemia
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year, especially during warmer months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically cryptic, often green or brown with spines, and pupate into a chrysalis that can be green or mottled.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown ground color with a broad white discal band on the forewing and a characteristic broken post-discal band (the 'dot-dash' pattern) on the hindwing, along with a submarginal series of white spots.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings featuring prominent white bands and a series of white spots, creating a distinctive 'dot-dash' pattern.
