Purple Sapphire
Common NamePurple Sapphire
Scientific NameHeliophorus epicles
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsyellow, orange, red, black, white
HabitatForests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsPolygonum, Rumex, Emex
Flight PeriodThroughout the year in tropical regions, with peak activity during warmer months
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on plants from the Polygonaceae family. Like all butterflies, it undergoes complete metamorphosis from egg to larva, pupa, and adult.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive bright yellow-orange underside with a prominent red-orange marginal band and two tails on the hindwing. Males typically have iridescent purple uppersides.
Description
A small butterfly with a bright yellow-orange underside, featuring a prominent red-orange marginal band on the hindwing, bordered by black and white lines, and two slender tails.
