Introduction
The genus Cepora is closely allied to Appias and comprises of 20 species. The commonest and most widespread species is nerissa which is distributed from India to Bali. The genus is centred on south-east Asia, with the majority of species being found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Cepora nerissa occurs in Sri Lanka, India, Myanmar, Bhutan, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, south China, peninsular Malaysia, Sulawesi and Java. It appears to be absent from Borneo, where it is replaced by Cepora pactolicus.
Habitats
Cepora nerissa is a lowland species which inhabits thorn scrub, savannah / woodland mosaics, open areas within dry woodlands, and beach hinterlands.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplant is Capparis ( Capparidaceae ).
Adult behaviour
Males imbibe mineralised moisture from wet sand, and also visit dung. When not feeding they spend most off their time perching at the top of bushes, usually keeping their wings closed.
Females are quite secretive, but can sometimes be found nectaring at Tridax.
