Leptotes plinius

Fabricius 1793 - Zebra Blue

The presence of this species on Samui is a matter of conjecture as it is so far outside its normal range. However, because it has only been found at one site, the recently completed gardens of Samui International Airport, it can be assumed that it was imported on the plants brought in, which includes its hostplant.

Because of the small gene pool that must be associated with this single colony, its long term future must be considered doubtful.

Flight Period

Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
	x	x		x	x	x		x		x	x

Wingspan

19 - 26mm

Early Stages

Detailed life history information is available from the following resources. S Igarishi - Life Histories of Asian Butterflies, Volume 1, Page 510.

Larval Foodplant

Plumbago zeylanica, Plumbago auriculata (both Plumbaginaceae) and Ziziphus jujuba (Rhamnaceae)

Range

Sri Lanka, through India, Asia (excepting the Peninsular and Indonesian Islands) through to Australia. Koh Samui appears to be an accidental introduction.