Orange Oakleaf (Kallima inachus)
Image Copyright Paul Dunn
Image Copyright Paul Dunn
Last Observed: December 2016, Koh Chang
Observed By: Paul Dunn
Kallima inachus, the orange oakleaf or dead leaf, is a nymphalid butterfly found in tropical Asia from India to Japan. With wings closed, it closely resembles a dry leaf with dark veins and is a spectacular and commonly cited example of camouflage. It’s also a very rare case where the butterfly looks more interesting with its wings closed rather than open.
