Leaf shelter construction by potanthus serina caterpillar
Potanthus is a large genus of skipper butterflies. They are commonly known as darts. They are found from South Asia to East Asia, and down to maritime Southeast Asia (though not extending towards New Guinea). It includes about 35 species, all of which look very similar to each other and are often only reliably identifiable through the examination of the male genitalia.
Potanthus species are sun-loving diurnal flyers. They are usually found in primary and secondary forests, as well as in partly cleared areas, grasslands, and near small villages. Occasionally they may be found in swamps and mangrove forests. It includes the following species: The larvae feed on Bambusa (bamboo) and Dendrocalamus (both Gramineae)
Potanthus amor Evans, 1932 - Timor, Sumba, and Oinanaisa
Potanthus chloe Eliot, 1960 - endemic to Malaysia
Potanthus confucius (Chinese dart or Confucian dart)
Potanthus dara (Kollar, 1845) - Himalayas, Indo-China, Malaysia
