Leopard Lacewing Butterfly
Common NameLeopard Lacewing Butterfly
Scientific NameCethosia cyane
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, gardens, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsPassiflora species (e.g., Passiflora cochinchinensis)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiky, black with red markings, and feed on passionflower vines. The pupa is a metallic, often gold-colored chrysalis, camouflaged as a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the striking orange and black pattern with distinct black spots on the hindwings and the white patches on the black forewing tips. The scalloped hindwing margins are also a key feature.
Description
This butterfly features vibrant orange wings with prominent black spots on the hindwings and a broad black margin on both forewings and hindwings, accented with white patches on the forewing apex and a scalloped black and white pattern along the hindwing edges.
