(Large) Tree Nymph/Paper Kite Butterfly Idea leuconoe

Large Tree Nymph Butterfly
Large Tree Nymph Butterfly
The Large Tree Nymph Butterfly, also called Paper Kite and Rice Paper in the USA, is native to Southeast Asia. A related, very similar butterfly, also called the (Malabar) Tree Nymph or Paper Kite, Idea malabarica, is native to southern India. All the Idea genus butterflies are also called Tree Nymphs and one, with the lovely Latin name Idea idea, is also called the Rice Paper.
Tree Nymph Butterfly side
Tree Nymph Butterfly side
Mainly black markings on a white background, the intensity/amount of black varies and there is some degree of pale lemon yellow shading at the "shoulders."
Paper Kite Butterfly
Rice Paper Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly on orchid
In addition to markings on the Large Tree Nymph being variable, there are several subspecies.
Pale Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly
The butterfly above left has much less dominant black markings. It may be part of the variability, or it may be another of the Tree Nymph (Idea) species.
Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly
All the others shown here are the Large Tree Nymph, Idea leucoconoe.
Large Tree Nymph on Owl Butterfly Size comparison: Large Tree Nymph on an Owl Butterfly.
Tree Nymph Butterfly Wingspan is 12-14cm.
Coupled Tree Nymph Butterflies Pair coupled.
Large Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tree Nymph Butterfly
Tattered Tree Nymph Butterfly Like all butterflies (and some people), they tatter as they age.