Description : The Common Bluebottle has a bluish-green macular band which runs from the apex of the forewing to the inner margin of the hindwing on both the upper and underside of the butterfly's wings. The hindwing has a series of blue submarginal spots on the hindwing on the upperside, and an additional red spotting on the underside of the hindwing. There is a red spot near the base of the hindwing on the underside as well. Habitat & habits : The males of this species can often be found feeding on roadside seepages or urine-tainted sand. Occasionally, more than eight butterflies can be found congregated on one spot. This swift-flying butterfly is common in the nature reserves. In flight, one normally catches a glimpse of its blue wings. Females are rarer, but often encountered when she tries to oviposit in areas where the host plants grow in abundance. Other Observations : In Singapore, the Common Bluebottle is frequently found in the company of the Blue Jay (Graphium evemon eventus) and the Five Bar Swordtail (Pathysa antiphates itamputi), flying erratically up and down open jungle paths or puddling in a group. Early
Stages : The caterpillar feeds on
Wild Cinnamon (Cinnamomum iners) and a variety of other Lauraceae
plants. The caterpillar is green in the later instars and has a pair of
short black spines on each of the three thoracic segments. The pupa is
suspended upright with a silken girdle. |
||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||
Back  |
 |
Next Species |
||||||||||||||
