Found as mature catepillars on Centranthera tranquebarica, a very low-growing plant (see below ). The catepillars were found at the Shau Kei Wan Service Reservoir, Hong Kong the first week of September, 2004, a second brood was started two weeks later at the same location. This species is fairly widespread and can be found thoughout the warmer months. Imago specimens were taken also in Malaysia in 1993.
The ova are about 0.5 mm diameter;
many of the eggs were laid on non-LFP plants.
The 1st instar larva, 2 mm when first hatched out
(left);
about 1 cm / 0.4 inches long (right)
The 2nd instar larva, about 1.5 cm / 0.6 inches long
A 3rd instar larva, about 2.5 cm / 1 inch long.
A nearly mature larva, about 4 cm / 1.6 inch
long.
The bluish tint is quite noticeable in bright sunlight.
The prepupal form in typical "J" position |
The pupa, about 1 cm / 0.4 inch long. |
The underside of a male and female.
and the dry season form of the male (below).
The adult butterfly
Wingspan is about 4.5 cm / 1.8 inches.
The male is on the left, female on the right.
The tiny flower of the LFP
The leaves and seed capsules
This WebPage and Site authored and maintained wholly
by Light Creations.
Please direct all questions, queries and comments to:
David
L. Mohn
Copyright Light Creations 1993-2005 - All Rights Reserved.
This page last updated 27-Sept-2004.
