Indian Ace
Common NameIndian Ace
Scientific NameCelaenorrhinus leucocera
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyPyrginae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsbrown, white, yellowish-brown
HabitatForest edges, clearings, dense undergrowth, often near streams in tropical and subtropical forests
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia)
Host PlantsStrobilanthes, Phaulopsis, Asystasia, Justicia, Adhatoda
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae feed on leaves, constructing shelters, and pupate in a silken cocoon within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsIdentified by its dark brown wings with a distinct pattern of white hyaline spots on the forewings, and its characteristic skipper posture with forewings raised and hindwings flat. Antennae are hooked at the tip.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with a robust body and dark brown to olive-brown wings, featuring prominent, somewhat rectangular, hyaline white spots on the forewings.
