Orange-banded Plane
Common NameOrange-banded Plane
Scientific NameBindahara phocides
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.)
Host PlantsSalacia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar) which feeds on Salacia plants, then pupates into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey identification features include the striking, broad orange band on the dark upperside of the wings. The overall shape is typical of a hairstreak, though hindwing tails may not always be visible depending on the view.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown to black wings featuring a prominent, broad orange band extending across both the forewings and hindwings, complemented by smaller orange spots near the forewing apex.
