Yellow Coster
Common NameYellow Coster
Scientific NameAcraea issoria
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyHeliconiinae
Wingspan (mm)50
Primary Colorspale yellow, black, orange
HabitatForest clearings, forest edges, secondary forests, and areas with host plants
Geographic RangeIndia, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia
Host PlantsGirardinia diversifolia, Boehmeria platyphylla, Debregeasia longifolia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, peaking during monsoon season
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are spiny, dark-colored, and often feed gregariously on plants from the Urticaceae family. Pupae are typically suspended.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive prominent black venation on pale, somewhat translucent wings, black marginal markings, and a characteristic slow, fluttering flight. The 'costa' or rib-like appearance of the wings due to the veins is a strong identifier.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent pale yellow to cream wings, prominently marked with bold black veins and a black border along the outer margins, often with small orange spots.
