Small-eyed Sailor
Common NameSmall-eyed Sailor
Scientific NameNeptis nata
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Primary Colorsorange-brown, white, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, often near streams
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsGrewia, Dalbergia, Acacia, Ziziphus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, peaking post-monsoon
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis. Larvae are typically cryptic, feeding on host plants, leading to a suspended chrysalis.
Identification TipsDistinguished by the specific arrangement of its broad white bands on an orange-brown ground, particularly the prominent, somewhat wavy band across the hindwing and the forewing markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with broad, irregular white bands on an orange-brown to dark brown background, creating a distinctive pattern on both forewings and hindwings.
