Lexias dirtea

Archduke

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Nymphalidae”
Sub Family: “Limenitidinae”
Estimated Lifespan 18 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 0
Total Number of Pupae Received: 986
First Flown On: 11/25/02
Last Flown On: 09/25/23

Species Range:

  • “Asia”

Host plants:

  • The larvae are known to feed on plants in the genus Calophyllum.

Food Source

Adults enjoy feeding from rotten fruit but they will also visit a variety of flowers.

Etymology Of Name

The origin of the genus Lexias and the specie dirtea is currently unknown.

Habitat

The Archduke is primarily found in tropical forest but they often fly through or along clearings, especially when looking for nectar plants.

Life history

Males patrol their territory trying to ward off intruding males while at the same time attracting the attention of receptive females. After mating the female lays her eggs on the host plant. The ornate larvae feed on their host plant until they form their chrysalis.

Flights

The flights of the Archduke in the wild are currently unknown.

Fun Facts

Because the female Archduke is primarily brown with yellow spots it blends in very well with the forest surroundings. The male Archduke on the other hand has a very bright blue-green band along its hind wing which it uses to attract the attention of females when it is competing for a mate.