Sorrel Sapphire
Common NameSorrel Sapphire
Scientific NameHeliophorus sena
FamilyLycaenidae
SubfamilyLycaeninae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorspale brown, orange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, scrubland
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China)
Host PlantsRumex, Polygonum
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, varies by region (e.g., March to November)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid on host plants, larvae feed on leaves, and pupation occurs near the host plant.
Identification TipsKey features include the pale underside with the prominent orange and black hindwing band, and the presence of a small tail on the hindwing. Males typically have iridescent blue uppersides.
Description
A small butterfly with a pale brown underside, featuring a distinctive submarginal band of orange spots bordered by black on the hindwing, and a small tail.
