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Malabar rose

Malabar rose

Pachliopta pandiyana

A species of Red-bodied swallowtails

Adorned with a striking contrast of black velvet-like wings and a series of bright red to pinkish spots, malabar rose flutters throughout its habitat in a distinctive flight pattern that showcases its vivid colors. Remarkably, these colors are not just for display but also play a vital role in its survival, serving as a deterrent to predators through a biological phenomenon known as aposematism. This winged creature's diet shifts dramatically from its juvenile stage—where it gorges on lush, green host plants—to its adulthood, where it embraces a nectar-rich repertoire from a variety of flowering species.

General Info About Malabar rose
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Attributes of Malabar rose
Colors
Black
White
Pink
Habitat
This butterfly is confined to the wet jungles of southern India and the Western Ghats, between 1,000 and 3,000 feet (300 and 910 m).
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, flower nectar from jasminum, flower nectar from hibiscus, flower nectar from ixora, flower nectar from tridax
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia spp. leaves, aristolochia indica, aristolochia tagala, possibly other closely related aristolochia species
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Malabar rose is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Malabar rose is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Malabar rose feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Species Status of Malabar rose
Uncommon; not threatened
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Life Cycle of Malabar rose
Egg The eggs of malabar rose are small and round. Typically laid on host plants, they store the necessary nutrients for the embryo to develop into a larva. The egg stage lasts until conditions prompt hatching.
Larva After hatching, the larva of malabar rose appears worm-like, with a primary goal of eating to grow. It will undergo several molts, expanding in size and sometimes changing color or pattern.
Pupal Once fully grown, the larva forms a pupa. Encased, the malabar rose's body undergoes a dramatic transformation, reorganizing into adult structures. The pupa may show a muted color blending with its surroundings.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult malabar rose exhibits vibrant colors and patterns on its wings. The body is well-defined, wings are fully developed, and it can fly. The adult focuses on reproduction.
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Predators of Malabar rose Larvae
Birds, spiders, wasps, ants, mantises
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Predators of Adult Malabar rose
Birds, spiders, mantis, lizards, frogs
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Scientific Classification of Malabar rose
Tips for Finding Malabar rose
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Youth Habitat of Malabar rose
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Rotting and Decaying Matter
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Adult Habitat of Malabar rose
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests, Savannas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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When is the Best Time to Observe Malabar rose
The best time to find adult malabar rose is typically on sunny days when they are most active, particularly in the morning and early afternoon.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Malabar rose
Finding malabar rose is more likely in warm, dry weather, as rain can inhibit their flight and activity patterns.
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How and Where Can You Find Malabar rose at Different Life Stages
Egg Malabar rose eggs are usually laid on specific host plants. To find them, look for the plants that the caterpillars feed on and check the undersides of leaves for small, round eggs.
Larva Malabar rose larvae, or caterpillars, can be found on or near their host plants. Search by carefully inspecting the leaves, stems, and flowers of these plants for feeding caterpillars.
Pupal To find malabar rose in the pupal stage, search around the caterpillar's host plants or nearby structures where they may attach themselves to undergo metamorphosis. Look for chrysalides that are often camouflaged.
Adult Adult malabar rose can be found flying around flowers where they feed on nectar. Look for them in gardens, meadows, or other areas with abundant flowering plants.
Are Malabar rose harmful?
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Are Malabar rose harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Malabar rose
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Malabar rose is attracted to flowers through a blend of visual cues including vibrant colors and distinctive shapes. They seek out flowers mainly to consume pollen, inadvertently transferring pollen grains from one bloom to another, aiding in the plant's reproduction process.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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