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Orange oakleaf

Orange oakleaf

Kallima inachus

A species of Oakleaf, Also known as Indian oakleaf

The serrated wing edges of orange oakleaf mimic the foliage among which it resides, a masterstroke of camouflage that deters predators. With wingspan fully extended, the intricate underwing pattern resembles a withered leaf, complete with realistic vein structures. This striking adaptation is particularly useful during the resting phase when the wings are closed. In its larval stage, orange oakleaf consumes a variety of host plants, contrasting its adult diet, which consists mainly of nectar from flowers.

General Info About Orange oakleaf
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Attributes of Orange oakleaf
Colors
Black
Yellow
Bronze
Gray
White
Blue
Habitat
The orange oakleaf is found in India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, down to Tenasserim Hills. In Southeast Asia it occurs in southern China, Thailand, Laos, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been also recorded from Pakistan in 2000.
In India, the butterfly flies in the Himalayas at low elevations, from Jammu and Kashmir, through Garhwal and Kumaon to West Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, and other states of the northeast. It is also found in central and peninsular India; it flies in Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa and Andhra Pradesh; i.e. along the central Indian highlands to Pachmarhi and Amarkantak, the Western Ghats south to Bhimashankar, and in the Eastern Ghats north of the river Godavari.
The status of the butterfly in India is "not rare", while in China, the butterfly is considered "rare".
The orange oakleaf is encountered up to an altitude of 1,800 metres (5,900 ft) in the hills; though Mark Alexander Wynter-Blyth records it as being encountered up to 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in regions of heavy rainfall in thickly forested mountainous and hilly regions. In the Kumaon Himalayas, K. inachus has been recorded to inhabit tropical deciduous forest between 400 and 1,400 metres (1,300 and 4,600 ft) and subtropical evergreen forest above 1,200 metres (3,900 ft). In a survey of Chongqing municipality, China carried out from 1998 to 2004, K. inachis was found to inhabit moist broad-leaf forests.
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, aphid honeydew, sap from trees, decaying fruit, moisture from puddles
Larva Food Source
Quercus (oak) leaves, pyrus (pear) leaves, ulmus (elm) leaves, salix (willow) leaves
Non-poisonous
The Orange oakleaf is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Orange oakleaf is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Orange oakleaf feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Orange oakleaf
Not Rare
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Distribution Area of Orange oakleaf
Tropical Asia, India, Japan
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Predators of Adult Orange oakleaf
Birds, spiders, predatory insects, mammals
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Interesting Facts About Orange oakleaf
When orange oakleaf rests with wings closed, its remarkable wing pattern mimics a dead leaf, complete with faux veins, to evade predators.
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Scientific Classification of Orange oakleaf
Tips for Finding Orange oakleaf
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Youth Habitat of Orange oakleaf
Tropical Rainforests
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Habitat Preferences of Orange oakleaf Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of orange oakleaf are typically found on the underside of host plant leaves. As caterpillars, they can be seen chewing on leaves or resting on twigs, blending in with their surroundings due to their cryptic coloration. Pupae often attach themselves to the underside of leaves or twigs, camouflaged as a dried leaf. Adult orange oakleaf, known for their striking leaf-mimicry, are usually seen when they open their wings in brief flights or while feeding on nectar from flowers. Searching for orange oakleaf requires keen eyesight and patience, inspecting host plants meticulously and examining potential perch points where adults might rest or feed.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Orange oakleaf
The most suitable time to find orange oakleaf is during daylight hours, especially in the morning when they are most active and visible.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Orange oakleaf
Warm, sunny days with little to no wind are ideal conditions for finding orange oakleaf, as they are more likely to be out basking and feeding.
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How and Where Can You Find Orange oakleaf at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of orange oakleaf are laid on the host plants. Search the leaves, especially the underside, of such plants for small, distinctively-shaped eggs.
Larva Larval orange oakleaf can be found on or near their food plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and check both the upper and lower surfaces of leaves for caterpillars.
Pupal Pupae of orange oakleaf are camouflaged and might resemble dry leaves. They can be discovered attached to twigs or underneath leaves of the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Adult Orange oakleaf adults are known for their leaf-mimicking wings, making them difficult to spot when at rest with wings closed. Look on the ground among leaf litter or on the side of trees. Sightings are more probable when orange oakleaf are active and flying, typically on warm and sunny days.
Are Orange oakleaf harmful?
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Are Orange oakleaf harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Orange oakleaf
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Orange oakleaf is attracted to flowers primarily through their vibrant colors. This species engages in pollination while searching for and consuming pollen. During the process of feeding, orange oakleaf inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the cross-pollination necessary for many plants to reproduce.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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