RED PIERROT

Scientific name: Talicada nyseus

  Local Name: -

  Field Characteristics:

  Wing Span: 30 to 36mm.

Upper surface of wings black with lower portion orange. Underside is white with black spots. Outer margin of each forewing is black, while that of each hindwing is marked with orange and white spots.

  Distribution and Habitat:

  Not a very common butterfly. But found abundantly around its larval plant. Found in urban gardens around human habitations and forests.

Distributed throughout the year.

  Activity: Active throughout the year.

Habits:

Very weak flier. Flies close to the ground and remains in the vicinity of its host plant. On settling down moves its wings up and down slowly. Basks with wings halfspread..

  Food:

Feeds on flower nectar only.

  Host Plants: Common garden succulent Panphuti, bryophyllum spp, kalanchoe spp