Spotted Palmfly
Common NameSpotted Palmfly
Scientific NameElymnias hypermnestra
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)65
Primary Colorsbrown, white, blue
HabitatOpen forests, forest edges, bamboo groves, palm plantations, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China)
Host PlantsCaryota urens, Cocos nucifera, Areca catechu, Phoenix sylvestris, Calamus spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods in tropical regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on palm leaves. Larvae are green with a rough texture, two caudal filaments, and a horned head capsule. Pupae are green or brownish, often camouflaged as a dead leaf or twig.
Identification TipsLook for the dark brown wings with white spots, the prominent iridescent blue patch on the forewing (especially in males), and the intricate white striations on the hindwing underside. Often found near palm trees.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with dark brown wings, featuring white spots on the forewing and intricate white, wavy patterns on the hindwing underside. A distinct iridescent blue patch is visible on the forewing.
