Ceylon Snow Flat
Tagiades japetus obscurus, Mabille

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Female Ceylon Snow Flat

Description
Wingspan 45-50mm. A large dark colored flat with a distinctive white patch on the hind wings. The females are larger than the males and have a band of gray scales in the discal area of the upper side of the forewing.

Similar species
Water Snow Flat. A smaller species. On the upper side of the hind wing, it has a series of prominent black submarginal spots and a more expansive white patch. The small white spots on the forewings are also more extensive. Its ground colour is much darker. 

Status, distribution and habitat
An insect of the forested areas in the intermediate and wet zones ascending the hills to at least 3000 feet elevation. Its favorite habitats are openings in forests, forest corridors and clearings within the forests.

Habits
A very swift butterfly on the wing with a very straight flight. It frequently settles on the upper side or underside of leaves and immediately opens its wings fully. It never holds its wings above its body while at rest. One usually catches a glimpse of this butterfly only when it suddenly breaks out into the open from its perch when disturbed. It is not uncommon to encounter it day after day in the same patch of forest. It is not an avid nectar lover though it may be seen on flowers. It is seasonal in its appearance, being commonest during the monsoons.

Early stages
No records available. The larval host plant is probably Dioscorea spp.

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