Tawny Coster Butterfly

Common name: Tawny Coster

Scientific name: Acraea terpsicore

Photo credit: B. S. Karthikeyan and Mahamuni

Photo shot at: Nearby Porunai Hostel, BDU and Backside of School of Environmental Sciences

Formerly called Acraea violae . It is common in grassland and scrub habitats. Can see it plentiful in the pre-monsoon and monsoon period and becomes scarce later on. This butterfly exudes an oily and smelly yellow liquid when handled and is unpalatable to birds and most insects. They are well protected and have a slow and weak flight, frequently visiting flowers and are easily netted.