 The
Leopard is usually encountered in urban areas, parks and gardens in Singapore.
This is most likely due to the fact that the caterpillar of this butterfly
feeds on the Weeping Willow tree (Salix species), which is an ornamental
tree found in many gardens and urban areas. Occasionally, several
individuals are encountered flying around a Weeping Willow tree.
The butterfly is a rich orange
brown above and ornamented with black spots and streaks, reminescent of
the Fritillary butterflies of the west - to which the Leopard is probably
distantly related. The underside is a lighter orange with a purplish
sheen in side light. The Leopard is found in secondary growth and is fond
of Lantana blossoms, on which it is shown feeding here. |
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