Introduction
There are 9 species in the genus Caleta, variously distributed across south-east Asia. They can be mistaken in flight for Castalius, but Caleta have a much simpler and bolder pattern of dark brown spots and bars.
Caleta elna is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, south China, Taiwan, Palawan, Malaysia, Borneo, Sumatra and Sulawesi.
Habitats
This common butterfly can be found in rainforest and humid deciduous forest, in glades and along riverbanks and roadsides. It can be found at elevations between sea level and about 800m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is Zizyphus ( Rhamnaceae ).
Adult behaviour
The adults are usually seen in two’s and three’s, mud-puddling with other Lycaenidae. They tend to remain stationary for long periods, or at least until such time as a camera is pointed at them, which they take as a signal to walk around in tight circles as the photographer shuffles about on elbows and knees trying to maintain focus!