<> Mimathyma ambica (Kollar, 1844) <>

the Indian Purple Emperor ผีเสื้อเจ้าชายม่วง

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Photo taken at Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary, Chiang Mai, Thailand. 540m a.s.l.

Beautiful species. The male in particular displays a brilliant iridescent blue on its upper wings when viewed from a certain angle. Timid but a strong flier. Confined to the more northerly parts of the region. Sexually dimorphic but markings are similar. Multivoltine with several broods per year but more research is needed.

Synonyms and previously used names: Apatura ambica, Potamis ambica

Taxonomy: Animalia - Arthropoda - Insecta - Lepidoptera - Nymphalidae - Apaturinae - Mimathyma - ambica

Regional subspecies: M.a.ambica (India, Bhutan, W.Myanmar), M.a.miranda (E.Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, China)

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

Habitat: rainforest and montane deciduous forest up to about 2600m a.s.l. Wingspan: 65-75mm

Flight time: most of the year, depending on location

Larval Hosts: Celtis tetrandra (Cannabaceae), Ulmus wallichiana (Ulmaceae)

Adult Food Sources: Nectar - not known to nectar on flowers. Other - mud puddling, carrion, animal dumg.