Introduction
The subfamily Apaturinae is of worldwide distribution and comprises of several genera of large and powerfully flying butterflies among which are Apatura, Doxocopa and Mimathyma. Most have dark brown uppersides, banded with white. The males of most species reflect an iridescent purple-blue sheen.
The genus Mimathyma comprises of a single species ambica. It occurs in north-east India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and northern Sumatra.
Habitats
This species inhabits rainforest and humid deciduous forest at elevations below about 1000m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is Ulmus (Ulmaceae).
Adult behaviour
Males visit damp ground to imbibe moisture. They habitually settle on rocks and boulders, and if disturbed will usually return to the same spot within a few minutes.
