Scientific name Lexias pardalis | Genus Lexias Rank Species | |
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Similar Archduke, Lexias dirtea, Tanaecia, Euthalia monina, Moduza | ||
lexias pardalis
Lexias pardalis, the common archduke, is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family.
Contents
Description
Lexias pardalis has a wingspan reaching about 80–90 millimetres (3.1–3.5 in). This species exhibits a strong sexual dimorphism, with very different pattern and colour. The upperside of the wings of the male are black with shimmering greenish-blue margins, especially in the hindwings. The uppersides of the cryptic wings of the larger females are dark brown with several rows of yellow spots, a pale green pattern on the lower wings. The wing pattern of yellow spots continue across the thorax and the abdomen.
The undersides in the males are brownish with whitish spots, while in the female the forewings are dark brown and the hindwings are pale bluish green, with whitish spots in both wings. The apical portion of the antennae are yellow orange in both sexes, while in the very similar species Lexias dirtea the clubs are black. Larvae feed on Cratoxylum formosum and Cratoxylum cochinchinense, while adults mainly feed on rotting fruits, especially in the genus Garcinia, but also on nectar of flowers. Caterpillars of the last instars are pale green and have many spines radiating from the body. Also the chrysalis is pale green.
Distribution
This species can be found in the Indomalaya ecozone.
Habitat
Lexias pardalis prefer paths, clearings and edges of primary forests and they are easily sighted in sunny areas standing on the forest floor.