Indian Leafwing
Image: Sumasa (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameIndian Leafwing
Scientific NameKallima inachus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patterncryptic
Primary Colorsbrown, dark brown, reddish-brown
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Taiwan, Japan)
Host PlantsStrobilanthes spp., Pseuderanthemum spp., Girardinia diversifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on the foliage. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged to resemble a leaf or twig, completing metamorphosis in several weeks.
Identification TipsThe most distinctive feature for identification is the perfect dead-leaf mimicry of the closed wings, including the central 'midrib' line and the 'petiole' extension from the hindwing, along with the serrated wing margins.
Description
A medium to large butterfly renowned for its remarkable dead-leaf mimicry on the underside of its wings, which are predominantly brown with a distinct midrib-like line and a 'petiole' extension. The upperside (not visible here) typically features iridescent blue and orange bands.
