Tawny Coster
Common NameTawny Coster
Scientific NameAcraea terpsicore
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)58
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen country, grasslands, scrub, gardens, forest edges, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia
Host PlantsPassiflora, Adenia, Curculigo orchioides, Hybanthus enneaspermus
Flight PeriodYear-round (multiple broods in tropical regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the leaves of host plants. The larvae are spiny and dark, while the pupae are pale with black markings and a distinctive shape.
Identification TipsKey features for identification include the uniform tawny orange coloration with prominent black spots across both forewings and hindwings, and its characteristic slow, deliberate flight.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly characterized by its bright tawny orange wings heavily marked with numerous distinct black spots and a black marginal band.
