What is red lacewing butterfly?

The red lacewing butterfly (Cethosia biblis) is a species of butterfly found in Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. It belongs to the family of brush-footed butterflies (Nymphalidae). The butterfly has a striking coloration with bright orange-red wings marked with black venation and a border of white spots.

The red lacewing butterfly is a slow flier and likes to sunbathe on the leaves and flowers of trees in the forest understory. It is primarily a nectar feeder but also feeds on decaying fruits and animal carcasses. The species is known to have a mutualistic relationship with ants, in which the caterpillars secrete honeydew that the ants feed on in exchange for protection from predators.

The female red lacewing butterfly lays her eggs on the underside of leaves, and the larvae feed on the leaves of the host plant, which are usually species of the genus Pararistolochia. The larvae have a striking coloration of black, orange, and green, which serves as a warning to predators. The pupae are suspended under leaves by a silk girdle.

The red lacewing butterfly is a popular species among entomologists and butterfly enthusiasts due to its striking coloration and unique behavior. However, habitat destruction and overcollection for the pet trade have led to a decline in the populations of the species in some areas.