Tree Nymph Butterfly | Idea leuconoe PUPAE

Idea leuconoe, commonly known as the paper kite butterfly, large tree nymph, or rice paper butterfly, is a strikingly beautiful species in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Danainae. Native to Southeast Asia, this butterfly is admired for its delicate appearance and graceful flight. The wings are translucent white with bold black veins and irregular black spots, giving them the appearance of delicate rice paper, hence the name. The wingspan is typically 95–115 mm, making it a relatively large butterfly. Its flight is slow and graceful, often described as gliding, which adds to its elegant appearance. Found in tropical and subtropical forests, mangroves, and gardens, particularly in regions like Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowering plants as well as fruit juices, while larvae feed on toxic host plants like vines in the genus Parsonsia, which makes the butterfly distasteful to predators. Its caterpillars are strikingly banded in white, black, and yellow, warning potential predators of their toxicity. The paper kite butterfly is a popular species in butterfly gardens and exhibits, where its peaceful flight and delicate beauty captivate observers.

Difficulty - Easy to care for butterflies (1/10); pupae require some attention (4/10)

Host plants - Parsonsia

Conditions - Room temperature is sufficient but appreciates warmth 

Lifecycle - Continually brooded; adults live for many weeks