White Sailor
Common NameWhite Sailor
Scientific NameNeptis hylas
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyLimenitidinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, orange, brown, blue, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, scrubland, gardens
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia, East Asia (from India to Japan and Indonesia)
Host PlantsRubus spp., Spiraea spp., Prunus spp., Vigna spp., Desmodium spp.
Flight PeriodMultiple broods throughout the year in tropical regions, spring to autumn in temperate zones
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. The larvae feed on foliage, often camouflaged, and pupate into a chrysalis, typically suspended from a twig or leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinct broad white bands across both forewings and hindwings, especially visible on the underside, combined with the orange-brown and blue-grey marginal patterns. Its characteristic 'sailing' or 'gliding' flight is also a strong identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking pattern of broad white bands on a darker background. The underside, as seen, features a prominent white central band framed by orange-brown and blue-grey stripes along the wing margins.
