The Ricepaper, Idea leuconoe
Ricepaper butterflies, also known as Paper Kites or Tree Nymphs, are found in Malaysia, Taiwan and the Philippines. They are a common species found in lowland rainforests and coastal mangrove forests. These large, striking butterflies have translucent white wings patterned with black streaks and spots. Their patterns serve to warn predators that they are poisonous. Their flight is slow and graceful, and they may rest with wings open or closed.
Every winter, Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory offers a special exhibit called Flight of White. During this exhibit, visitors can walk amongst a snowfall of thousands of white Ricepaper butterflies and learn about this fascinating species from informative stations found throughout the Conservatory.