Common map butterfly

Cyrestis thyodamas belongs to Nymphalidae, the brush-footed butterflies. Its common names, map wing and common map, refer to the network of markings across the wings. [2]

The upper wings bear a fine network of dark lines on a pale ground, warmer marginal details and small hindwing projections. [1]

Regional records document C. thyodamas in the Himalayas, Hong Kong and Taiwan. The Himalayan account describes forest and water-associated settings, while Hong Kong’s parks account includes it among the city’s butterflies. [1][2][3]

Taiwan’s National Museum of Natural Science records Ficus ampelas leaves as food for larvae of Cyrestis thyodamas formosana. [3]

In Hong Kong, adults occur throughout the year and frequently stay close to the ground. Himalayan field observations describe low flight with alternating wingbeats and gliding near forest and water. [2][1]

Map wing and common map describe the resemblance of the wing markings to a map. Cyrestis thyodamas formosana is the Taiwanese subspecies named in the museum’s host record. [2][3]

A complete view shows the pale wing fields and hindwing projections; enlargement reveals the fine dark network and marginal pattern. [1]

The fine wing network lends itself to themes of journeys and connection in the surrounding composition.

Inspect the specimen through the glazing and move the object by its frame. Keep it away from direct sunlight, heat and persistent damp. If wings or fragments become displaced, document the damage and seek advice before opening the enclosure. [4]

The name ‘map wing’ refers to the wing pattern. Ficus ampelas is a documented host for Taiwanese formosana caterpillars; adults are recorded throughout the year in Hong Kong. [2][3]

The Himalayan publication describes adult morphology and field behaviour. Hong Kong’s parks account records local seasonality and activity, and Taiwan’s museum identifies the larval association with Ficus ampelas. [1][2][3]