About Neptis sappho Pallas, 1771
Neptis sappho, commonly called the Pallas' sailer or common glider, is a nymphalid butterfly found in Central Europe, Russia, India, temperate Asia, and Japan. Its wingspan measures 40–46 mm.
The forewing upperside has a black or black-brown base color, with a band of white spots. Two additional wedge-shaped white spots sit between this band and the base of the wing. The forewing underside is rusty brown, and displays the same white markings seen on the upperside.
The hindwing upperside is also black or black-brown, with one broad inner white band and one narrow outer white band. These white bands are only interrupted by the dark wing veins. Compared to the very closely related Neptis rivularis, N. sappho has more extensive white markings that form two distinct rows on the hindwings. N. sappho's rusty brown underside is also slightly lighter than that of N. rivularis.
The larvae of this butterfly feed on Lathyrus vernus, Lathyrus niger, and Robinia pseudoacacia.
