Golden Sapphire
Common NameGolden Sapphire
Scientific NameHeliophorus sena
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsgolden yellow, orange, black, white
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, hilly regions
Geographic RangeHimalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan), Northeast India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Southern China
Host PlantsPolygonum, Rumex
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are typically slug-shaped and often exhibit myrmecophily (association with ants), feeding on host plant leaves before pupating.
Identification TipsKey features include the bright golden-yellow underside, the distinctive orange and black marginal band on the hindwing with a white wavy line, and the presence of small hindwing tails.
Description
A small butterfly with brilliant golden-yellow undersides. The hindwings feature a striking marginal band of orange, bordered by black and often highlighted by a wavy white line, along with small tails.
