This species, Idea leuconoe, from tropical southeast Asia, is a close cousin to our own familiar monarch butterfly. Its distinctive slow and floppy flight and large size make this one of the showiest species in the Center. The name “Rice paper” comes from the translucent quality of the wings. It is also sometimes called the “Tree nymph.”
Over the years we’ve noticed that some butterflies appear to be attracted to certain perfumes worn by our patrons. The Rice paper seems to be the species most often attracted to fragrances. Try spritzing yourself with a little “Moonlight Path” before you come to the center next time, and see what happens!