Spotted leopard butterfly
Common NameSpotted leopard butterfly
Scientific NamePhalanta phalantha
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)48
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrublands, gardens, parks, often near water bodies
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, China) and parts of Africa
Host PlantsFlacourtia indica, Salix, Populus, Smilax, Canthium
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark brown to black with yellow stripes. Pupae are green or brown chrysalises.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its vibrant orange wings densely covered with black spots on both the forewings and hindwings. The underside is a paler orange with similar spotting.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings heavily marked with numerous irregular black spots, giving it a distinctive leopard-like appearance.
