Rainbow Skipper
Common NameRainbow Skipper
Scientific NameCelaenorrhinus ambareesa
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyTagiadinae
Wingspan (mm)42
Primary Colorsdark blue, green, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical evergreen forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeIndia, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo
Host PlantsStrobilanthes species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, often peaking during monsoon seasons
Flight Styledarting
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae are typically cylindrical and construct shelters from host plant leaves, pupating within these shelters.
Identification TipsKey features include the iridescent blue-green stripes on a dark background, the distinct white rectangular spots on the forewings, and the series of white spots along the scalloped hindwing margin.
Description
A robust skipper with dark blue-black wings strikingly adorned with brilliant iridescent blue-green stripes and prominent white rectangular spots on the forewings, complemented by a row of smaller white spots along the hindwing margin.
