• Scientific Classification: It belongs to the family Nymphalidae (brush-footed butterflies) and the subfamily Limenitidinae. 
• Appearance: Known for its large wings and striking, varied colors—ranging from brown and gold (like the one in your photo) to blue and green. Its dorsal wings are primarily black with distinctive white stripes and spots. 
• Flight Behavior: The name “Clipper” comes from its fast, stiff-winged flight pattern, where it flaps its wings between the horizontal position and slightly below it, often gliding between bursts.

• Range: Native to South and Southeast Asia, including countries like India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, and New Guinea.
• Habitat: It primarily inhabits rainforests, often near rivers and streams, though it can also be found in open countryside. It is also found in the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, Colorado. 

• Adults: Feed on nectar from small flowers like Lantana or rotting fruit. They have an average adult lifespan of about 19 days.
• Larvae (Caterpillars): Are typically pale green with yellowish-white stripes and branched reddish-brown spines. They feed on host plants such as Adenia and Tinospora.
• Subspecies: There are over 30 recognized subspecies, which account for the wide variety of colors seen across different regions. 

Lenny “Lensworth” Frieling

Photographer | Storyteller | Visual Guide

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