Sunbeam Butterfly vs Malay Leaf Butterfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sunbeam Butterfly Malay Leaf Butterfly
Scientific Name Curetis thetis Kallima limborgii
Order Lepidoptera Lepidoptera
Family Lycaenidae Nymphalidae
Size 34-40 mm wingspan 80-100 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Nectar Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions South Asia, Southeast Asia Southeast Asia (Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos, Malaysia)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sunbeam Butterfly

Dark upper wings contrast with brilliant silvery-white undersides. Fast-flying and sun-loving, often found darting around treetops.

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Did You Know?

Its reflective silver underside flashes in sunlight, earning the genus the name Sunbeam.

Malay Leaf Butterfly

A master of camouflage, with undersides that perfectly mimic a dead brown leaf complete with midrib, veins, and even fungal spots. The upper wings flash vivid blue and orange when in flight.

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Did You Know?

No two individuals have exactly the same leaf pattern on their underwings, making each butterfly a unique work of natural art.