Very widespread from South Asia to Japan
with a number of well marked geographic races..
This species is highly territorial and will chase
butterflies that may move into the territory. It uses
well defined perches and will bask with wings open but
often sits with half open wings.
Race canace "Segments alternately orange and white, with
numerous black spots on the orange segments and black
streaks on the white ; seven white, branching,
black-tipped spines on each orange segment."
Larva Race haronica: "Light red; spotted with black, the
segments divided by blackish and purple lines ; anal
segment slightly humped ; segments armed with eight
longitudinal rows of yellow branched spines ; head and
legs black. Feeds on Smilax.
Pupa: Race canace " Variegated reddish brown, with
frontal gold and silver spots ; head produced and
bifid."
Race haronica: " Reddish brown; abdominal segment with
two dorsal rows of small reddish pointed tubercles;
thorax angular; headpiece produced and bifid." |
