Parthenos sylvia
WINGSPAN 10 to 12.5cm (4 to 5in)
HABITAT Evergreen forests
DISTRIBUTION South and South-East Asia
LIFESPAN 2 to 3 weeks
MALES AND FEMALES Identical in colouration
A powerful and fast-flying butterfly, the clipper tends to flap its wings rapidly in a flickering movement, giving it a staccato appearance that stands out from the crowd. Preferring to glide for short periods over treetops near water, it can often be seen flying in large groups. This gorgeous patterned butterfly is pale blue if it comes from Malaysia, or a brownish-yellow shade in other parts of Asia. Its food of choice is the nectar from flowers of the Adenia plant, which belongs to the Passion flower family (Passifloraceae).