Plains Cupid
Common NamePlains Cupid
Scientific NameChilades pandava
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyPolyommatinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsgrey-brown, white, orange, black
HabitatGardens, open fields, disturbed areas, forest edges, urban parks
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China, Japan)
Host PlantsCycas revoluta, Cycas circinalis, various legumes
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, primarily cycads. Larvae are typically green or brown, often myrmecophilous (associated with ants), and feed on young leaves and shoots. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size, the greyish-brown underside with white wavy lines, and the prominent orange patch containing two black spots on the hindwing near the tail. Males have a purplish-blue upperside.
Description
A small butterfly with a greyish-brown underside, featuring intricate white wavy lines, several black spots, and a distinctive orange patch with two black spots near the hindwing tornus.
