Kallima
Encyclopedia
Kallima, known as the Oakleaf or Oak Leaf butterflies, is a genus of butterflies of the subfamily Nymphalinae
in the family Nymphalidae
. They are found in east
, south
and southeast Asia
. Their common name is a reference to the rear surface of their wings, which is various shades of brown. When the wings are held closed, this results in a remarkable similarity to a dead leaf
, further emphasized by their wing shape.
(alternatively in Kamilla) and Mallika
. The following species are currently members of the genus Kallima:
Nymphalinae
Nymphalinae is a subfamily of brush-footed butterflies . Sometimes, the Limenitidinae are included here as further tribe, while the Melitaeini are occasionally considered a distinct subfamily.- Systematics:...
in the family Nymphalidae
Nymphalidae
The Nymphalidae is a family of about 5,000 species of butterflies which are distributed throughout most of the world. These are usually medium sized to large butterflies. Most species have a reduced pair of forelegs and many hold their colourful wings flat when resting. They are also called...
. They are found in east
East Asia
East Asia or Eastern Asia is a subregion of Asia that can be defined in either geographical or cultural terms...
, south
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
and southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. Their common name is a reference to the rear surface of their wings, which is various shades of brown. When the wings are held closed, this results in a remarkable similarity to a dead leaf
Leaf
A leaf is an organ of a vascular plant, as defined in botanical terms, and in particular in plant morphology. Foliage is a mass noun that refers to leaves as a feature of plants....
, further emphasized by their wing shape.
Taxonomy
This genus has traditionally also included a number of African species, but they are now usually placed in Kallimoides, JunoniaJunonia
Junonia is a genus of nymphalid butterflies, described by Jacob Hübner in 1819. They are commonly known as Buckeyes, Pansies, or Commodores. This genus flies on every continent except Antarctica. The genus contains about 30–35 species....
(alternatively in Kamilla) and Mallika
Mallika (butterfly)
Mallika is a monotypic genus of butterflies of the subfamily Nymphalinae in the family Nymphalidae found in central Africa from DR Congo to Kenya. The single species is the Jackson's Leaf Butterfly , which traditionally has been included in the genus Kallima...
. The following species are currently members of the genus Kallima:
- Kallima albofasciataKallima albofasciataKallima albofasciata is a species of oakleaf butterfly found in the Andaman Islands.-Description:Males and females upperside blue. Fore wing with a broad pure while obliquely-placed discal sinuous band, its inner margin defined in black along the discocellulars and base of interspace 3, with a...
Moore, 1877 – Andaman Oakleaf - Kallima alompra Moore, 1879 – Scarce Blue Oak Leaf
- Kallima buxtoni Moore, 1879
- Kallima horsfieldiKallima horsfieldiThe South Indian Blue Oakleaf is a nymphalid butterfly found in India. The underside appears like a leaf complete with midrib while the upperside is brilliantly coloured.-Dry season form:Males and females indigo-blue...
(Kollar, 1844) – South Indian Blue Oakleaf - Kallima inachusKallima inachusThe Orange Oakleaf or Dead Leaf is a nymphalid butterfly found in tropical Asia from India to Japan. With wings closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins and is a spectacular example of camouflage.-Description:...
(Boisduval, 1846) – Orange Oakleaf, Indian Oakleaf, Dead Leaf - Kallima limborgiiKallima limborgiiThe Peninsular Malaya Leaf Butterfly is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in Malaysia, Thailand and southern Burma.The larvae feed on Strobilanthes callosus and Pseuderanthemum malabaricum.-Subspecies:...
Moore, 1879 – Peninsular Malaya Leaf Butterfly - Kallima knyvettiKallima knyvettiKallima knyvetti is a species of leaf mimic butterfly found in Southeast Asia.-Description:Male upperside forewing: basal area to near apex of cell and thence obliquely to the zigzag subterminal line as it crosses interspace 1 dark green,succeeded by a black line along the discocellulars, and a...
de Nicéville, 1886 - Kallima paralektaKallima paralektaThe Indian Leafwing or Indian Leaf Butterfly is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found in Indonesia .The larvae feed on Strobilanthes and Pseuderanthemum species.-Subspecies:...
(Horsfield, 1829) – Indian Leafwing - Kallima philarchusKallima philarchusThe Ceylon Blue Oakleaf Kallima philarchus is a nymphalid butterfly found in Sri Lanka. With wings closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins and is a spectacular example of camouflage....
(Westwood, 1848) – Ceylon Blue Oakleaf - Kallima spiridivaKallima spiridivaKallima spiridiva is a butterfly of the Nymphalidae family. It is found on Sumatra....
Grose-Smith, 1885