Thursday, November 26, 2015

Common Palmfly (Elymnias hypermnestra)

Recently a Common Palmfly caterpillar pupated on one of my palm plants, with the adult butterfly emerging just a few days back. Just a few pictures I snapped of the chrysalis and the butterfly.

Dorsal view of the chrysalis. It is coloured a lovely bright green with yellow lines edged in red and blends in surprisingly well with the palm leaves. The chrysalis is attached to the underside of the palm leaf.

Side view of the chrysalis. This was just a day before the butterfly emerged. The wings and eyes of the butterfly are clearly visible but have not yet taken on any colour.
Side view
The adult Common Palmfly hanging from its empty pupal case while its wings dry. The undersides are coloured a rich reddish brown and heavily streaked.