Friar
Common NameFriar
Scientific NameIdeopsis juventa
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, and parts of Australia
Host PlantsParsonsia, Tylophora, Cynanchum, Hoya
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically striped with black and yellow/white bands, often with fleshy filaments. Pupae are green or yellowish, sometimes with metallic spots, hanging upside down.
Identification TipsKey features include black forewings with large white patches and pale, heavily black-veined hindwings. Its slow, gliding flight is also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with black forewings marked with large, irregular white patches, and pale, semi-translucent hindwings distinctly veined with black. Its body is black with white spots.
