Pachliopta aristolochiae asteris (Common Rose)

The Common Rose is rather rare in Singapore, often observed around the grounds of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and near the Singapore Zoological Gardens at Mandai.  This is because its host plant, Aristolochia acuminata, can be found in these localities.  This species, which shares the same host plant as the Common Birdwing (Troides helena cerberus), is threatened with extinction as their host plant becomes more scarce. Its bright red body and red spots on the hindwings are warning signals to predators that it is distaseful and should be avoided.  The bimorphic female of the Common Mormon (Papilio polytes romulus) mimics the Common Rose so that it too, can be protected from predators by exhibiting the same warning colouration.   The butterfly has a slow and leisurely flight as it flutters from flower to flower in search of nectar.

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