Tree Nymph Butterfly | Idea leuconoe PUPAE

The Paper Kite Butterfly is a large species, with a wingspan of 95–105 mm. Its wings are translucent, predominantly white or cream-colored, adorned with bold black spots and streaks that create an intricate and striking pattern. The contrast between the light background and dark markings gives the butterfly a paper-like or stained-glass appearance, hence its common name. The body is slim and pale with fine black markings.

Idea leuconoe is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, including: Malaysia; Thailand; Indonesia; The Philippines; Southern parts of China and Taiwan. It inhabits lowland rainforests, mangroves, and coastal areas, often near its larval host plants, climbing species in the Milkweed family. The butterfly is also commonly found in butterfly conservatories and exhibits worldwide, particularly due to its graceful flight and tameness, often landing on visitors!

The Paper Kite Butterfly is known for its slow, fluttering flight, often gliding gracefully between flowers. This behavior, combined with its aposematic coloration, serves as a warning to predators about its unpalatability, as it retains toxins from its host plants. The adults feed on nectar from various flowers, as well as over-ripe fruit juices, and are often seen basking with their wings spread.

The larvae feed on plants of the Apocynaceae family, particularly species of Parsonsia and Tylophora, which contain alkaloids. These chemicals make the caterpillars and subsequent adults distasteful to predators.

The caterpillars are striking in appearance, with a yellow body adorned with black and white stripes. After reaching maturity, the larvae pupate into a stunningly beautiful chrysalis that is metallic gold, providing additional protection through mimicry and camouflage. The butterfly emerges after about 10–14 days, completing the cycle, and can live for several months as an adult. 

The Paper Kite Butterfly plays a role in pollination, particularly of native flowering plants. Additionally, its unpalatability serves as an example of Müllerian mimicry, where multiple unpalatable species share similar warning patterns to enhance predator avoidance. 

Difficulty - Easy to care for butterflies (1/10); pupae require high humidiry (3/10).

Host plants - Parsonsia; Tylophora

Conditions - Room temperature is sufficient but appreciates warmth.

Lifecycle - Continually brooded; adults live for many weeks or months.