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Pachliopta aristolochiae asteris (Rothschild, 1908)
| Family Name: | Papilionidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Butterfly and Moth) |
| Common Name: | Common Rose |
Name
Description
| Description | Its bright red body and red spots on the hindwings are warning signals to predators that it is distaseful and should be avoided. The bimorphic female of the Common Mormon (Papilio polytes romulus) mimics the Common Rose so that it too, can be protected from predators by exhibiting the same warning colouration. |
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Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | This is essentially a jungle species but is drawn to cultivated areas where its host plant, Aristolochia acuminata, can be found. Both sexes are usually observed feeding on flowering plants, Lantana camara is a favourite. |
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| Associated Flora | Host Plant: Aristolochia acuminata |
| Habitats | Forest, Parks & Gardens |
| Distribution | The species range from Sri Lanka and India to Central China, Indo-China, Malaysia, Singapore and to the Philippines. |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | The species is vulnerable as it depends on the availability of its host plant, which it shares with the Common Birdwing (Troides helena cerberus). |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Attractive and adding recreational interest to rural areas and gardens. |
| Conservation Notes | Whilst it has also been bred on alternative host plants – Thottea spp., and other species of Aristolochia, these plants are rare in Singapore’s forests and the continued existence of this species may depend on the cultivation of these plants. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Conservation Status | Moderately Common |
| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008], Endangered (E) [1994] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp Khew, S.K. 2010. A field guide to the butterflies of Singapore. Singapore: Ink On Paper Communications Pte Ltd. 342pp |
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