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Female Ceylon Rose
Description
Wingspan of 90-110 mm. A large black and white swallowtail with pink crescent shaped markings and spots. The abdomen of both sexes is velvet black with bright crimson tips. The more extensive white markings on the forewing, and the larger, more conspicuous markings on the the hind wing, distinguish the female from the male.
Similar species
Common Rose A much smaller butterfly. The white markings on the forewing are much reduced.
Status, distribution and habitat
It is a rare and local butterfly confined to the few remaining dense forests of the wet zone below 2000 feet. It seldom strays into adjoining home gardens or cultivated areas, an indication of the importance of its habitat. Its current stronghold is in the forests around Ratnapura, Balangoda and Morapitiya.
Habits
Its flight and behavior are very similar to those of the Common Rose. It flies in the early morning hours or the the late afternoons when the sun is low in the sky. It spends the rest of the day within the forest and is rarely seen; this adds to its rarity. It is a nectar lover and visits flowers along forest foot paths, clearings and roadsides.
Early stages
Unknown. The closely related Indian species feeds on members of the Aristolochiaceae.
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