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Common castor

Common castor

Ariadne merione

A species of Ariadne, Also known as Common castor butterfly

Characterized by a vibrant montage of tawny, orange, and russet shades on its wings, common castor is adorned with captivating patterns resembling cryptic eyes that can startle predators. This species undergoes remarkable metamorphosis, emerging as a foraging caterpillar with a voracious appetite for host plants before transitioning into a nectar-sipping adult with a proboscis, preferring to flit among flowers in sunlit clearings.

General Info About Common castor
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Attributes of Common castor
Colors
Brown
Black
Orange
Habitat
forest (roadside; clearing; glade)
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from lantana, ixora, mussaenda, tridax, asystasia
Larva Food Source
Leaves of capparis sepiaria, capparis zeylanica, maerua oblongifolia, maerua arenaria, maerua crassifolia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Common castor feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Species Status of Common castor
It is found in south and southeast Asia.
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Distribution Area of Common castor
South and southeast Asia
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Life Cycle of Common castor
Egg At this initial stage, the common castor is encapsulated within a protective shell. Typically, eggs exhibit an oval shape and may vary in color. The primary function of the egg is to safeguard the developing embryo until it's ready to hatch.
Larva The larval stage presents a worm-like common castor with a segmented body. It's mainly characterized by rapid growth and constant feeding, leading to a series of molts as it outgrows its exoskeleton.
Pupal During the pupal stage, the common castor remains largely immobile, encased within a chrysalis. It undergoes significant internal changes, as tissues and organs are reorganized into the adult form, while the outer appearance becomes harder.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common castor's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Adult Size of Common castor
3 - 3.5 cm
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Interesting Facts About Common castor
Common castor exhibits a unique form of camouflage; its underwings mimic a dead leaf, complete with detailed 'veins' to evade predators.
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Scientific Classification of Common castor
Tips for Finding Common castor
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Youth Habitat of Common castor
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Common castor
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Common castor
Since common castor adults are attracted to flower nectar, floral fragrance extracts or ripe fruit can serve as effective attractants or 'trap food' to lure them.
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Habitat Preferences of Common castor Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of common castor are laid on the host plants, often found in open woodland areas or edges, where these particular plants grow. Caterpillars hatch and feed on these plants, typically staying hidden during the day and feeding at night to avoid predators. Pupae, meanwhile, are often attached to the underside of leaves or in crevices of the host plants, camouflaged and secure from threats. If you were searching for common castor in their various stages, you would look among the host plants in woodland edges during the day for eggs or pupae and at night for active caterpillars. Adult common castor are commonly seen around nectar sources like flowers in these same areas, particularly when the sun is out, as they are active fliers and feeders during the day.
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How and Where Can You Find Common castor at Different Life Stages
Egg To find common castor eggs, look on the underside of host plant leaves. These eggs are typically laid in clusters and are often tiny and oval-shaped. Using a magnifying glass, inspect the leaves of known host plants in the given habitat.
Larva Common castor larvae can be found on or near their host plants, where they feed. Look for signs of feeding, such as notches on leaf edges or frass (caterpillar droppings) on the ground beneath the plants.
Pupal Locating common castor pupae requires searching on the stems or leaves of host plants or nearby structures. Pupae may blend in with their surroundings, so search carefully for their chrysalises, which might be camouflaged as dead leaves or twigs.
Adult Adult common castor can be spotted flying in open, sunny areas, especially gardens or fields with plenty of flowers. Observing quietly near nectar-rich flowers or setting up a feeding station with overripe fruit can attract adults within view.
Are Common castor harmful?
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Usually, the common castor won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Common castor harmful to humans?

Some larvae of tortoiseshell butterflies feed on milkweed, which is a poisonous plant containing cardiac glycosides, so the larvae are poisonous. Although poisonous, these butterflies will not directly affect humans if not swallowed. Touching the larvae of certain tortoiseshell butterflies may cause a rash.
Beneficial Effects of Common castor
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Common castor is a reliable pollinator often seen fluttering from bloom to bloom. With a preference for the color of flowers, it is primarily attracted to visit and feed on the pollen. This inadvertent pollen transfer fertilizes many plants, contributing immensely to both wild and cultivated ecosystems.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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