Butterfly of the Day 2009 9

Nov 2009

Tawny Coster
Wingspan: 53-64 mm

The Tawny Coster (Acraea terpsicore) is a small leathery

winged butterfly which is common all the year round. It
has a weak fluttery flight. It is avoided by most insect
predators. The butterfly exudes an oily and smelly
yellow liquid when handled and is unpalatable to birds
and most insects. There are no
mimics in India. The butterfly
breeds on plants of the family
Loganiaceae and species of
Passiflora (Passion Flowers/ Rahki
flowers).

The female is similar to that of the

male (although the lower side color is much paler as compared to the
male).

Life cycle:
Mating
Reference:
Wikipedia
(Life cycle pics) http://www.flickr.com/photos/drsaji/3677501077/