Crimson Rose

November 20, 2009 at 5:38 pm (Butterflies)
Tags: Atrophaneura hector, Butterflies, butterfly, Crimson Rose, rose, swallowtail, Swallowtails

Atrophaneura hector

Crimson Rose Atrophaneura hector is a large swallowtail butterfly belonging to the subgenus Pachliopta (Roses) of the Red-bodied Swallowtails (genus Atrophaneura)

Range

It is found in India and Sri Lanka and possibly the coast of western Myanmar.

In India, it is found in the Western Ghats, southern India (Kerala), eastern India (West Bengal and Orissa) and the Andaman Islands. Recorded from Pune

Status

Generally common and not known to be threatened. It is common all along the Western Ghats up to Maharashtra but rare in Gujarat. It is considered to be very rare in the Amphrodog. Protected by law in India.

Habitat

This butterfly is at home both in jungle and in open country. During the dry season, it will be found up to 8000 feet (2400 m) in South India, but it is found all the year round at lower elevations.

Common Mormon

November 20, 2009 at 5:13 pm (Butterflies)
Tags: Butterflies, butterfly, swallowtail, Swallowtails

Common Mormon

The Common Mormon Papilio polytes is a common species of swallowtail butterfly widely distributed across Asia. This butterfly is known for the mimicry displayed by the numerous forms of its females which mimic inedible Red-bodied Swallowtails, such as the Common Rose and the Crimson Rose

Status

Very common. Not threatened

Description

Jet black butterfly with row of white spots along the middle part of hindwing. 90-100 mm.

Mimicry

In India, this butterfly is considered as the classic example of Batesian Mimicry in which edible species resemble unpalatable butterflies in order to escape being eaten by predators.

A pair of Common Mormons

Malabar Raven

November 20, 2009 at 2:44 pm (Butterflies)
Tags: Butterflies, butterfly, Endemic, Malabar Raven, Papilio dravidarum, swallowtail, Swallowtails

Papilio dravidarum

The Malabar Raven ( Papilio dravidarum) is a species of Swallowtail butterfly found in the Western Ghats of India.

Range

Endemic to the Western Ghats in South India. It occurs in the states of Kerala, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Goa.

Habitat

This butterfly frequents heavy jungles of the Western Ghats between 1000 to 3000 feet. It has been recorded in January and from March to October

The Malabar Raven resembles the model Common Crow in habits and flight, but is faster than the other mimic, the Common Mime. It prefers shady patches. The males drink at wet patches especially in the hot dry pre-monsoon days.

Lifecyle

There are two to three broods a year. Recorded in Coorg as having broods from September to October, November to December, and, from April to May. Recorded in Karnataka in July and in September. Males appear to outnumber the females