Ghost Sailor
Common NameGhost Sailor
Scientific NameNeptis philyra
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorswhite, dark brown
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, clearings
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsSpiraea, Prunus, Ulmus, Sorbus, Malus
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves, often camouflaged, and pupate into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white bands on a dark background, especially the continuous white band across the hindwing and the broken white band on the forewing, combined with its characteristic gliding flight.
Description
This butterfly features a striking pattern of broad white bands contrasting with dark brown to black stripes across both forewings and hindwings, with additional white spots on the forewing.
