Common Rose

This species is poisonous because the caterpillars feed on the leaves of a toxic liana plant (Aristolochia). The plant toxins are stored in the bodies of the butterflies and are a defense against predators. The red colour of the body and the underside of the wings is an explicit warning message. In addition, it flies slowly and in an exhibitionist way to be sure of being noticed and therefore avoided by predators. Most Atrophaneura species are mimicked by butterflies of the genus Papilio, and can be recognized by the bright red colour on the body as well as on the wings.