Neptis hylas varmona

Neptis hylas varmona

( Moore) NYMPHALIDAE (=Neptis hylas ( Moore ))

Adult

Upperside black with white markings. FW with white streaks, triangular spot and a series of spots. HW with a basal broad white band and an outer series of squarish white spots. Underside golden brown with white markings as above, but sharply edged with black margin. Wingspan 50-60mm.

Only species in the genus Neptis having rich golden brown underside and the most common and widely distributed member of the genus. Flies by flapping the wings repeatedly and then gliding along gracefully. Visits flowers, damp patches and attracted even to human body sweat, but does not participate in large, joint mud puddling. Very bold butterfly and can be even approached very close. Often seen basking in the sun.

Larva

Of varying color according to the environment but normally dark, covered with yellow tubercles on segment 3,4,6 and 12, the tubercles on segment 4 longer.

Feeds on Cowpea, Jackbean, Lindenleaf Grewia, Silkcotton, Jute, Tossa Jute, Burbush, Pyinkado, Malabar simal tree, Longleaf Wurrus, Helicteres isora, nothapodytes nimmoniana, Paracalyx scariosa, Mappia foetida etc.

Distribution

Athyma perius perius Most of the oriental region except the Philippines and Sulawesi.