An ornate butterfly

Fashion idol? The underside of the Malay Lacewing is one of the most ornate in the butterfly world. The pattern itself looks as if it comes from Asia and we wonder if these common butterflies might have influenced the patterns of Malay Batik. The species name 'biblis' means writing and refers to the chevrons on the wing margins; the word 'bible' has the same derivation.

Name: Malay Lacewing

Latin: Cethosia biblis

Family: Nymphalidae

Origin: The Philippines

Food plant: Passion Plant Family