Egg laying in Tawny Coster Butterflies
Channel: Butterflies of Mulund
Date: 2024-02-21

The tawny coster, Acraea terpsicore, is a small butterfly, typically spanning 53–64 millimeters in wingspan, prevalent in grassland and scrub environments. Belonging to the Nymphalidae family, it displays a delicate fluttery flight pattern, often evading insect predators. Alongside the yellow coster (Acraea issoria), it represents the Acraeini tribe in India and surrounding regions, including Myanmar, Thailand, and Australia.

Acraea terpsicore tends to remain close to the ground, usually within 3 meters, resting on vegetation around a meter high. Its presence correlates with the abundance of its larval food source, Passiflora species. Preferring open spaces, it avoids dense undergrowth and shade.

Protected by a distasteful secretion, it feigns death when threatened, emitting a yellowish fluid from leg joints. Despite its slow, seemingly unsteady flight, it can withstand attacks from predators due to its tough exoskeleton. When feeding, it leisurely visits flowers, sometimes resting gently while maintaining balance through wing movements.