The orange oakleaf, also known as the Indian oakleaf or dead leaf, is a nymphalid butterfly that can be found in tropical Asia from Japan to India. It is frequently used as an example of camouflage because when its wings are closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins.
Amazing Facts
The species has the most effective camouflage a butterfly could ask for since when its wings are closed, it is exactly like a dried autumn leaf.
Appearance
When closed, the butterfly’s wings have the appearance of a leaf. Only the mysterious underside markings, which are composed of erratic patterns and striations in a variety of biscuit, buff, browns, yellow, and black colors, are visible when the wings are closed. The veins have a darker appearance and mimic leaf veins. The genus is known by the popular names oakleaf or dead leaf due to its remarkably realistic resemblance to a dried leaf.
The only difference between male and female butterflies is that the female is typically larger and has a longer point protruding from the tip of the forewing. Additionally, females typically have a brighter reddish underbelly and softer yellow speckled patterns. The butterfly’s wingspan varies from 85 to 110 millimeters (3.3 to 4.3 in).
Diet
They consume fruit that is overripe, sap, and nutrients from puddles as food.
Predators
Its natural predators include wasps, ants, birds, and spiders.
Habitat
Tropical Asia, including countries like India, Thailand, Vietnam, and Japan, is home to the Dead Leaf Butterfly, also known as Kallima inachus or the orange oakleaf butterfly.
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