Small Leopard
Common NameSmall Leopard
Scientific NamePhalanta alcippe
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, etc.)
Host PlantsFlacourtia indica, Smilax zeylanica
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, often dark with lighter markings, and pupate into a green or brown chrysalis suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsIdentified by its vibrant orange ground color and the characteristic 'leopard' pattern of numerous black spots and wavy lines across both forewings and hindwings. The underside is paler with similar but less defined markings.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings heavily marked with numerous black spots, wavy lines, and a distinct submarginal band of black spots.
