Crimson Rose

Description:

"Both sexes are similar in pattern, but the females are quite big and dull in colouration. The Crimson Rose is a black butterfly with two white bands on the forewing and two rows of bright crimson patches on the hindwing. The shapes of the crimson patches vary. The outer margin is serrated and the tornus extends into a tail in the hindwing. Its abdomen, thorax and head always have crimson patches. These patches are reduced in females. The Crimson Rose visits the flowers of scrubs and some varieties of taller herbs, in groups. They are quite dormant and stopover at flowers near the ground in the early hours of the day, but become very active towards noon. Occasionally they can be seen mud puddling in small numbers. This is a migratory species." -Dilmah Conservation

Habitat:

Grassland area near a paddy field, near Kumana national park.

Notes:

The worn-out female was laying eggs when the male suddenly attacked it and started mating. They seemed to be battling for dominance; it was quite a show.