Tamil Lacewing

Tamil Lacewing

Cethosia nietneri

Cethosia niethneri mahratta ( Felder)

NYMPHALIDAE (=Cethosia niethneri Felder)

Adult

Upperside male blue-black. FW with light brown basal area having bluish white streaks, V-shaped markings and spots. HW with distinct wavy margin having bluish white V-markings, basal area and black streaks and spots. Wingspan 80-95mm.

Abundant in the high rainfall areas of the Western Ghats in South India, especially in the thick jungles along the middle slopes. Feigns death when handled, a trait usually associated with protected species.

Larva

Black. Head with 2 long slout spines and body with red and yellow bands and each segment having 4 rows of long, slender, finely branched spines.

Feeds on edible and wild passion flowers.

Distribution

India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.