Phalanta phalantha (Common Leopard)
Phalanta phalantha – Common Leopard (click to enlarge)
| Common Name | Common Leopard |
| Scientific name | Phalanta phalantha |
| Family | Nymphalidae |
| Description | The wings are rick orange brown and feature a fair number of black spots and streaks. Each forewing has two dark lines in the cell forming an irregular cell spot. Underneath, the wings are in paler orange with only a handful of black spots and streaks, the sub marginal and postdiscal regions of both wings carry a purple sheen when seen in a side light. His sun-loving species is not uncommon in Singapore. The fast flying adults are usually found in secondary growth, urban areas, sidewalks, parks and gardens. This is likely due to the fact the two known local host plants are planted in these places. The fast flying adults can be seen flying around flowering shrubs taking nectar, and at times several of them can be seen puddling together on damp ground. The restless adults make it rather difficult for photographers to capture them on film . |