Palm King
Common NamePalm King
Scientific NameAmathusia phidippus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMorphinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsbrown, cream, orange
HabitatTropical rainforests, palm plantations, secondary forests, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCocos nucifera, Elaeis guineensis, Calamus spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on the underside of palm leaves. Larvae are green with yellow stripes and feed on palm fronds, while pupae are green and suspended.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive broad striped pattern on both forewings and hindwings, and the two large, prominent eyespots on the hindwings. Often observed flying at dusk or dawn near palm trees.
Description
A medium to large butterfly characterized by broad, alternating reddish-brown and pale cream/greyish-white stripes across its wings, with two prominent, ringed eyespots on each hindwing.
