Psyche
Image: कृष्ण कान्त शर्मा (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NamePsyche
Scientific NameLeptosia nina
FamilyPieridae
SubfamilyDismorphiinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorswhite, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, parts of China and Indonesia)
Host PlantsCapparis spinosa, Capparis zeylanica, Cleome viscosa
Flight PeriodAll year round (multiple broods in tropical regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are green with a white lateral stripe, and pupae are green or brown, camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include its small size, pure white wings with a single black apical spot, and its characteristic weak, fluttering flight close to the ground.
Description
A small, delicate white butterfly with rounded wings, characterized by a prominent black spot at the apex of each forewing. The underside often features cryptic greyish or yellowish mottling.
