Female - wing pattern, upper surface
The Leopard Lacewing Butterfly, which is scientifically known as Cethosia cyane, ranges from India, throughout Southeast Asia. This species exhibits a strong sexual diamorphism, with the females featuring wing patterns with a gray or white background, whereas the upper surfaces of the males are a bright orange, yellow, or red. Both sexes are sprinkled with blackish-blue spots and lining veins.
Male - wing pattern, upper surface
The caterpillars of the lacewing butterflies feed on the leaves of the Passion Flower Plant, of the genus Passiflora. The ingestion of the defensive phyto-chemicals of the plant renders the larvae and adult butterflies with a defensive mechanism that makes them unpalatable to potential predators. The adults also display a distinct warning coloration that advertises this fact. When handled, these tropical lepidopterans often exude a noxious odour generated from the ingested passion vine organic compounds.
Male - wing patterns, lower surface
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ReplyDeletegood read and amazing pics
Great work, your text really helps us appreciate the species and their uniqueness.
ReplyDeleteThanks Santosh.
Anberin
Great Photos. Did you click them?
ReplyDeleteOh yeah! Just saw your name there!
ReplyDeleteVery pretty ... great shots
ReplyDeleteawesome photos.. Very well taken
ReplyDeletewow- these are gorgeous pics santa...
ReplyDeleteMind boggling colors... esp the first pic with red flowers is an awesome combination...
ReplyDeleteextremely beautiful both - the butterfly and the way you captured them
ReplyDeleteGorgeous shots! I superlove butterflies! :) Following ya! On network blogs too! =)
ReplyDelete