Little Mapwing
Common NameLittle Mapwing
Scientific NameCyrestis nivea
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyCyrestinae
Wingspan (mm)52
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, brown, black, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsFicus racemosa, Ficus hispida
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants, typically Ficus species. Larvae are spiny and feed on leaves, while pupae are often camouflaged to resemble dead leaves or twigs.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its unique 'map-like' pattern of fine brown/black lines on a white background, combined with the prominent orange submarginal band on the hindwings and its characteristic wing shape.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with white wings intricately patterned with fine brown and black lines resembling a map, and a distinctive orange band along the hindwing margin.
