Butterflies of Sri Lanka - #10 Common Rose

These two photographs of Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae ceylonicus) were captured at some time ago... where I did macro test of Nikon D3200 using Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Lens.

It is a common red-bodied swallowtail butterfly which is extensively distributed across South and South East Asia. Here most of the flowers it is feeding on is Gadapana, Wild Lantana (Lantana camara). Bright colouration and pattern of the wings are meant to indicate to predators that this butterfly is inedible and also protected by the poisons it has sequestered from its larval food plant. It also emits a nasty smelling substances for protection. Some have evolved to mimic it, as an example being that of the female of the Common Mormon.

Female is very similar to the males; the only difference being a comparatively broader wings which is most conspicuous in the forewing. Although Common Rose has more pronounced 'zebra pattern' on upper forewing.

                                                                             Forewing

ISO -390  f/8 1/400sec



ISO-200 f/5.6 1/200sec