Malayan Sunbeam
Common NameMalayan Sunbeam
Scientific NameCuretis saronis
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyCuretinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Primary Colorspale grey, white, reddish-brown
HabitatLowland forests, forest edges, gardens
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Philippines)
Host PlantsParasponia andersonii, Acacia mangium, Acacia auriculiformis
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are flattened and often attended by ants (myrmecophilous), feeding on young leaves of host plants. Pupae are short and stout.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its unique pale, finely speckled underside with reddish-brown wing margins, and its small size and characteristic wing shape.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale greyish-white underside, finely speckled with dark dots, and distinctive reddish-brown wing margins. The upperside is typically iridescent orange-red with black borders.
