The Common Rose (Pachliopta aristolochiae asteris)
This pretty swallowtail is very local in distribution, and oftentimes found in the vicinity where its caterpillar host plant, Aristolochia acuminata can be found. It is widely distributed, and can be seen in urban parks like the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Hort Park, as well as in forested areas and offshore island like Pulau Ubin. The crimson red body and marginal spots on the hindwing is a display of aposematic colouration that warns predators that it is distasteful.
This shot, taken by ButterflyCircle member Nelson Ong, shows a Common Rose puddling - a rather rare phenomenon in Singapore, where the butterfly is more often seen fluttering and feeding at flowers, rather than puddling.
Wow, what a lovely shot! This is the cousin of our P romanzubia, which is always frequenting our garden in the province but i haven't seen yet the host in the vicinity, Aristolochia tagala.
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