Idea leuconoe

Giant Wood Nymph or Paper Kite

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Nymphalidae”
Sub Family: “Danainae”
Estimated Lifespan 32 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 16
Total Number of Pupae Received: 12230
First Flown On: 10/14/02
Last Flown On: 03/22/24

Species Range:

  • “Australia” “Asia”

Host plants:

  • The larvae feed on Parsonsia helicandra and Parsonsia spiralis which are both creeper- strangler vines found in the mangrove swamps.

Food Source

The adults can be found feeding on a variety of flowers.

Etymology Of Name

Idea is a mental image, form or appearance. Leuco is white.

Habitat

The Giant Wood Nymphs are primarily found in mangrove swamps and the surrounding areas.

Life history

The adults spend the majority of their time flying throughout the forest canopy. They can also be found in surrounding areas visiting flowers. Eggs are laid singly on the host vines growing through the canopy. The larvae feed on the vines until they pupate which is also done in the forest canopy.

Flights

There are multiple generations each year which makes it possible to find adults flying throughout the year.

Fun Facts

Idea is a close relative of the Monarch (Danaus plexippus). One trait they both share is that their larvae feed on toxic plants which in turn makes the larvae and adult butterflies distasteful to predators. Idea leuconoe has many common names. Some of the widely used ones are: Giant Tree Nymph, Paper Kite and Rice Paper Butterfly.