CRIMSON ROSE (අරුණු සෙව්වන්දියා)

Description:

Pachliopta hector, the crimson rose, is a large swallowtail butterfly belonging to the genus Pachliopta of the red-bodied swallowtails.

Habitat:

It is a very striking tailed butterfly with prominent white bands on its forewings. The crimson rose is very fond of flowers especially Lantana. Nectar appears to be essential for the butterfly and a higher nectar intake is thought to increase egg production. Close to the ground, the flight of the crimson rose is slow and fluttering but steady. At greater heights, it flies faster and stronger. It basks with its wings spread flat, sometimes in small congregations at heights of 10 to 15 metres up in the trees.