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Luminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Sasakia charonda
Lepidoptera / Nymphalidae
Sasakia charonda is an East Asian woodland butterfly with iridescent purple-blue males and brown females. Japanese studies document its Celtis hosts, larval overwintering and structurally produced wing colours.
Read the species account
Males have iridescent purple-blue upper wings, whereas females are predominantly brown. Pale spots and warmer hindwing markings remain useful identification characters in both sexes. [3]
Tama Forest Science Garden in Japan describes one annual adult flight period in July and August. Larvae overwinter in leaf litter beneath Celtis sinensis. [4]
At Tama Forest Science Garden in Japan, larvae feed on Celtis sinensis and adults visit tree sap. [4]
A 2010 study of male Sasakia charonda charonda found that layered cuticle and air in wing-scale ridges produce interference colours, including purple-blue and pearly white. Yellow, red and brown regions differed in their pigment contributions. [6]
The genus honours Chujirō Sasaki, associated with entomological work in Tokyo, including sericulture and insect pests. Sasakia charonda is Japan’s national butterfly and is known there as Ōmurasaki. [5]
Scott Schubr’s illustration emphasizes the male’s purple-blue field, pale spots and warm hindwing accents. Bold linework preserves the wing structure while flat colour conveys the characteristic pattern.
Protect framed specimens from direct daylight, moisture, pests and handling damage. Inspect the enclosure and avoid touching scales when examining colour. [1]
Canadian Conservation Institute · Accessed 2026-10-09
Smithsonian Gardens · Accessed 2026-10-09
TAKAO 599 Museum · Accessed 2026-10-09
Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute · Accessed 2026-10-10
University Museum, University of Tokyo · Accessed 2026-10-09
Materials Transactions · Accessed 2026-10-09
Primary taxonomic treatment via Zenodo · Accessed 2026-10-04
Ecological Research · Accessed 2026-10-04
Framed and digital artworks featuring this species. Current options and prices are listed on Etsy.
Sources checked 2026-10-11. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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