Leopard Lacewing - male 270509

Cethosia cyane

Details
Family : Nymphalidae
Subfamily : Heliconiinae
Genus : Cethosia
Common Name : Leopard Lacewing

Description
Leopard Lacewing was first sighted and recorded on end 2005 in Singapore , it ranges from India, throughout Southeast Asia, and south to Papua New Guinea.

This dazzling butterfly exhibits strong sexual dimorphism. Females feature wing patterns with a gray or white background, whereas the upper surfaces of the males are a bright orange. Both sexes are sprinkled with blackish-blue spots and lining veins.

Other Observations
Consequently, the larvae and adult butterflies display a distinct warning coloration that advertises their unpalatable nature to potential predators. When handled, they often exude a noxious odor generated from the ingested passion vine organic compounds.

Early Stages
The caterpillars of the lacewing butterfly feed on the leaves of flowering vines in the genus Passiflora and sequester defensive phytochemicals from the plant.