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Plain puffin

Plain puffin

Appias indra

A species of Puffins

Wet-season brood: Male. Upper-side greyish-white. Fore-wing with the base of costal border grey-black scaled and merging into a black broad apical outer-marginal decreasing band, which terminates narrowly at the lower median veinlet, the band curving outward from the costal border to upper median, then extends inward more or less quadrately in the next interspace, and again outward narrowly to the lower median; three or four white spots before the apex, the upper and lower the smallest; a minute black dot is generally present on the lower discocellular veinlet. Hind-wing with a few black scales slenderly disposed anteriorly along outer margin and on tip of the veins, and a minute dot on upper end of the discocellular veinlet. Underside. Fore-wing greyish-white; with the outer black band subapically restricted and narrow, the apical area being pale yellow, the spots of upper-side being slightly indicated, the black discocellular dot also visible. Hind-wing pale yellow, with more or less very slightly-defined brownish-scaled discal and submarginal zigzag fasciae, and a distinct black discocellular dot. Female. Upper-side fuliginous-black. Fore-wing with a central longitudinal greyish-white patch, its outer edge being sinuous and its basal area dark grey scaled; two small oblique sub-apical white spots; cilia white posteriorly. Hindwing with the basal and discal area greyish fuliginous-brown and the veins greyish-white lined, the cell and abdominal area with long fine grey hairs; two upper submarginal small greyish-white spots; cilia white. Underside. Forewing with similar black outer border, shaped as on upper-side, the apex being ochreous-yellow, and the white spots less defined; discal area greyish-white, the base suffused with sulphur-yellow. Hindwing ochreous-yellow, very sparsely irrorated with minute brown scales, irregularly traversed by a discal and submarginal zigzag brown-scaled fasciae, and outer marginal white interspaces; a brown discocellular dot. Dry-season brood: Male. Somewhat smaller than wet-season form. Upperside. Similar. Forewing with narrower and less prominent black outer band, which ends usually above the lower median veinlet, and its enclosed white spots generally larger, there being usually five in number. Hindwing unmarked. Underside. Forewing with the outer black band narrower than in wet form and obsolescent posteriorly, or entirely absent, its position indicated only by a few dark scales, the apex being pale yellowish-white speckled with brownish scales, Hindwing pale yellowish-white, more or less speckled with minute brown scales and traversed by a discal and submarginal zigzag fascia, but in some specimens these brown scales and fasciae are almost obsolete; the discocellular black dot always present. Female. Upperside. Forewing with broader greyish-white area and less black-scaled posterior border than in wet form. Hindwing with the basal and discal area greyish-white, the outer black border enclosing a submarginal row of large whitish irregular-shaped spots. Underside similar to wet form, Forewing with the black outer band somewhat narrower and with a white spot at the posterior angle. Hind-wing more numerously brown scaled.

General Info About Plain puffin
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Attributes of Plain puffin
Colors
Black
Yellow
Gray
White
Habitat
hill country
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Plain puffin
Protected in India
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Distribution Area of Plain puffin
South and southeast Asia
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Predators of Adult Plain puffin
Birds, spiders, rodents, mantises, lizards
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Interesting Facts About Plain puffin
Plain puffin possess unique ultraviolet reflectance on their wings, serving as a secret communication system visible only to certain species.
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Scientific Classification of Plain puffin
Tips for Finding Plain puffin
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Youth Habitat of Plain puffin
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Plain puffin Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of plain puffin are typically found on the underside of leaves of the host plants, in a quiet and less disturbed environment. As caterpillars, they are found on or near their food sources, which includes a range of cruciferous plants where they feed and grow. The pupae tend to be attached to stems or leaves, often in a concealed area, making it challenging to spot. Searching for them requires patience and keen observation. Adult plain puffin prefer open spaces with abundant flowers for nectar and are often observed flying around in such areas during the day. To locate the various stages, one must explore dense foliage for eggs, search the host plants thoroughly for caterpillars, find secluded spots for pupae, and visit flower-rich areas for adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Plain puffin
The suitable time for finding plain puffin depends on its life cycle and local climate. Typically, adult plain puffin are more active during the warmer hours of the day, often around mid-morning to early afternoon. Larvae or caterpillars may be observed throughout the day on host plants.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Plain puffin
Optimal weather conditions for finding plain puffin include warm temperatures and low wind. Adults are typically more active on sunny days when the temperature is right for flight. Overcast but warm conditions may also be suitable, especially for locating resting adults.
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How and Where Can You Find Plain puffin at Different Life Stages
Egg Plain puffin eggs are usually laid on the underside of leaves of the host plant. To find them, inspect leaves of Capparaceae family plants, focusing on the undersides where eggs are shielded from predators and the elements.
Larva Plain puffin larvae (caterpillars) feed on the leaves of host plants. Search for them by looking at the edges and undersides of leaves where chewed sections and frass (caterpillar droppings) may be seen. Wear gloves and handle with care to protect both yourself and the larvae.
Pupal Find plain puffin pupae by examining the stems and leaves of host plants or nearby structures where they may be attached. Plain puffin pupae may blend in with their surroundings, so look for a chrysalis that matches the color of the plant or the bark.
Adult Plain puffin adults can be found flying in areas with host plants or feeding on nectar. The best way to find them is to visit flower patches, gardens, or fields during the sunniest and warmest part of the day, and look for butterflies settling on flowers or basking in the sun.
Are Plain puffin harmful?
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Beneficial Effects of Plain puffin
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Asteraceae
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Plain puffin is often seen fluttering among flowers, primarily attracted by their vivid colors and distinct shapes. While visiting various blossoms, plain puffin inadvertently collects pollen on its body that is later transferred to other flowers, assisting with plant pollination. This behavior benefits both plants and the insect's offspring.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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