'TAWNY COSTER'

This is a very commonly seen butterfly and is also a very beautiful one. This belongs to a predominantly African group. In Africa, about 250 of the species occur, but in peninsular India only one species , the Tawny Coster is found wherever its larval hosts Passiflora sp, the passion-flower plants grow.
This is among the boldest fliers. Its flight is very slow but long sustained with weak wingbeats. It flies unaffected in the same careless fashion even after attacks from its predators. When caught, it feigns death and exudes an obnoxious yellowish fluid from glands situated in the joints of its legs. It has a tough skin and can even survive a few bird pecks or lizard bites. Once left alone, the 'dead' butterfly takes off immediately. It is indeed unique in this manner.
Flowers are the sole source of food. It does not visit flowers hurriedly, and often the individuals may be seen sitting on the same flower for a long time. It basks with its wings closed or spread flat and usually sits within a metre from the ground. The pendant flower of the Tridax is one of its favourites. Eggs are laid in batches of 20 to 100.
It has a wingspan of 50 to 65 mm.