The Common Rose Butterfly (Pachliopta aristolochiae asteris) is an insect.

The Common Rose is black with grey shading between the veins on its wings. Its swallow-tailed hindwings (back wings) have large white patches and greyish-red crescent-shaped markings. Its underside is similar to its top side, but with striking red or pinkish spots. Its body is bright red.

Common Rose Butterfly

Its wingspan measures 6-8 centimetres (2.5-3 inches).

The Common Rose is native to Asia. It prefers forests and open, lowland thickets.

The female butterfly lays orange-coloured eggs. After 3 days, the eggs hatch into reddish-brown caterpillars (the larvae stage). The caterpillars feed on plant leaves until they metamorphose into a pupa casing, called a chrysalis. The adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis after about 12 days.

Common Rose Butterfly

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM