Plain Puffin
Common NamePlain Puffin
Scientific NameAppias indra
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyPierinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCapparis, Crataeva
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, peaking during monsoon
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are green with a pale lateral stripe, and pupae are angled, resembling a leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the plain white wings with a distinct black forewing apex (visible even from the underside) and a generally unmarked pale underside. The greenish head and body are also characteristic.
Description
A medium-sized white butterfly with a prominent black apex and outer margin on the forewings. The underside is typically plain white or pale yellowish-white, with a pale green head and thorax.
