Cethosia biblis
WINGSPAN 8 to 9cm (3⅛ to 3½in)
HABITAT Sub-tropical hill forests
DISTRIBUTION Indian subcontinent, South-East Asia, East Asia; also found on the islands of the Philippines, Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Sulawesi, Bali, Ambon and Serang
LIFESPAN 8 days
MALES AND FEMALES The male has bright orange to red upperwings with black and white edges; the female’s are greyish-brown with black spots and white bands and spots on black margins
The Red Lacewing gets its name from the intricate lace-like patterns on the wings, which help to disguise the butterfly’s shape from predators. It is easy to catch sight of the ornate patterns as it enjoys basking with its wings wide open in the sunshine. Particularly active first thing in the morning, this butterfly feeds on the Passion flower (Passiflora), a poisonous climbing plant. Also poisonous, the Red Lacewing’s distinctive colouring acts as a warning to predators.