(Large) Tree Nymph/Paper Kite Butterfly Idea leuconoe

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.

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."

In addition to markings on the Large Tree Nymph being variable, there are several subspecies.

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.

All the others shown here are the Large Tree Nymph, Idea leucoconoe.