White-banded Flat
Common NameWhite-banded Flat
Scientific NameTagiades japetus
FamilyHesperiidae
SubfamilyTagiadinae
Wingspan (mm)40
Primary Colorsdark brown, white
HabitatTropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands, gardens
Geographic RangeIndia, Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines), New Guinea, Australia
Host PlantsDioscorea, Smilax, Dalbergia, Derris, Pongamia, Vigna
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on host plants, often constructing shelters by folding or rolling leaves. Pupation occurs within a silken cocoon, typically within a leaf shelter.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark brown wings with a broad, clean white band on the hindwings and white spots on the forewings. It often rests with its wings flattened, characteristic of 'Flats'.
Description
A medium-sized skipper with dark brown wings, a prominent broad white band across the hindwings, and several white spots on the forewings. The hindwing margin is scalloped with a white fringe.
