Tree Nymph Butterfly

The Tree Nymph (Idea leuconoe) Butterfly is also known as the paper kite butterfly, rice paper butterfly, large tree nymph, or the white nymph butterfly.

It is native to rain forests and coastal areas of Southeast Asia including Japan, India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka. It can also be found in Northern Australia and Southern Taiwan. Because of the species of plants it feeds on, it is toxic to predators.

The forewings and hindwings are translucent silvery white with black spots, as seen in the photos below. Their flight is soft with gentle flutters, and they are great gliders!

Tree Nymph (dorsal view) - Seen at the Butterfly Farm in Aruba

Tree Nymph (dorsal view) - Seen at Butterfly World in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Tree Nymph Butterfly (ventral view)