Peacock Royal
Common NamePeacock Royal
Scientific NameTajuria cippus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)32
Primary Colorspale grey, white, black, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsDendrophthoe falcata, Macrosolen cochinchinensis, Loranthaceae species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae feed on the leaves of various parasitic plants, often mistletoes. Pupation occurs on or near the host plant.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive pale underside with a series of black dashes and two black spots (one larger, one smaller) near the hindwing tornus, often surrounded by orange. The presence of two slender tails on the hindwing is also a key feature.
Description
A small butterfly with pale greyish-white undersides, featuring a submarginal row of black dashes and two prominent black spots with orange highlights near the hindwing tornus, along with two slender tails.
