Leaf Butterfly
Image: Drawn on wood by T. W. Wood (Public domain)
Common NameLeaf Butterfly
Scientific NameKallima sp.
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsblue, orange, brown, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, dense jungles, forest edges
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including the Malay Archipelago
Host PlantsStrobilanthes
Flight PeriodYear-round
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny, and pupae are camouflaged to resemble a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsWhen at rest with wings closed, the ventral side perfectly mimics a dead leaf, complete with a central 'midrib' line and 'veins'. The dorsal side is typically brightly colored with iridescent blue, orange, and black patterns.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly, depicted in an old engraving, showing the dorsal side with distinct dark and light patterns. It is renowned for its remarkable dead-leaf mimicry on the ventral side.
