Tropical Fritillary
Common NameTropical Fritillary
Scientific NamePhalanta phalantha
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, scrubland, gardens, forest edges, often near water bodies.
Geographic RangeWidespread across tropical and subtropical Asia (including India, Southeast Asia, China) and parts of Africa.
Host PlantsFlacourtia indica, Salix, Populus, Xylosma
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods.
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny, typically dark with yellow or orange stripes, feeding on host plant leaves. Pupae are green or brownish, suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsEasily identified by its bright orange color with a dense pattern of black spots, resembling a leopard's coat, and the characteristic black and white markings at the forewing apex.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with bright orange wings heavily marked with numerous black spots, and distinctive black and white patterns on the tips of the forewings.
