<> Dilipa morgiana Westwood,[1850] <>

the Golden Emperor ผีเสื้อเจ้าชายทอง

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Photo taken near Luang Prabang in Laos. 400m a.s.l.

A rare species confined to the more northerly parts of the region. Although included in the Thailand species list, its present there is doubtful and may be the result of mis-identification. This species needs further study as information is very sparse.

Synonyms and previously used names: Apatura morgiana

Taxonomy: Animalia - Arthropoda - Insecta - Lepidoptera - Nymphalidae - Apaturinae - Dilipa - morgiana

Regional Distribution: India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China

Habitat: montane forest up to 2300m a.s.l. Wingspan: 70-80mm

Flight time: there are usually 3 broods per annum in March, June & August to October

Larval Hosts: Pyrus pashia (Rosaceae), Celtis sp. (Cannabaceae)

Adult Food Sources: Nectar - Fragaria nubicola, Pyrus pashia (Rosaceae), Coelogyne corymbosa, Dendrobium polyanthum, Pleione hookeriana (Orchidaceae), Buddleja sp. (Scrophulariaceae). Other - over-ripe fruit