Scarlet Flash
Common NameScarlet Flash
Scientific NameRapala iarbus
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyTheclinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Primary Colorsbrown, black, orange
HabitatForest edges, open woodlands, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and parts of China.
Host PlantsAcacia, Ixora, Ziziphus, Litchi, Schleichera oleosa
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with peaks during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves or buds. Larvae are slug-like, green or brown, and feed on young shoots and flowers. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its plain brown underside with a small black tornal spot and short tail. The upperside's characteristic scarlet or orange 'flash' is a key identifier, though not visible in this image.
Description
A small butterfly with a plain brown underside, featuring faint discal lines and a small black spot with a short tail near the tornus of the hindwing. The upperside, not visible in this image, is typically a brilliant iridescent scarlet or orange with black borders.
