Insect · GBIF taxon 1939168
Common Rose Butterfly
Pachliopta aristolochiaeAlso known as Common Rose Swallowtail, Red-Bodied Swallowtail
Common rose butterflies are unmistakable swallowtails known for their bold black wings, bright pinkish-red body, and crimson hindwing patches. Caterpillars feed on pipevine plants, sequestering toxic aristolochic acids that make both larvae and adults unpalatable to birds. Males patrol forest margins, sunny clearings, and suburban parks, constantly fluttering their wings while feeding on nectar.
Warning ColorationPoisonousPollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Lantana nectar
- Ixora nectar
- Hibiscus nectar
Predators
- Praying mantises
- Orb-weaver spiders
- Parasitoid wasps
ThreatsDeforestation, pesticide use, loss of native host plants
HabitatsTropical forests, agricultural lands, scrub, gardens, urban parks
Life span2–4 weeks (adult)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPapilionidae
- SpeciesPachliopta aristolochiae
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains toxic aristolochic acids; safely observe without handling or allowing pets to ingest.
- Why it is dangerous
- Sequesters aristolochic acids from larval host plants, which act as potent nephrotoxins if consumed.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by a velvety black body with a bright crimson abdomen and matching hindwing spots.
- What to do
- Enjoy watching from a short distance and prevent curious pets from catching or eating them.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look near nectar-rich Ixora, Lantana, or wild pipevine plants in sunny garden borders.
- Photographing: Frame your shot while they feed, as they flutter continuously even while sipping nectar.
Mimic (c) Dr. Raju Kasambe, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Host Plant Close Relative
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