A smallish, orange-yellow butterfly with black spots (some joining to form ragged streaks) on both surfaces of both sets of wings and a black, white-spotted border on one edge (termen) of the hind wings. Both surfaces of the wings are identical, (the underside being a little paler). The upper part of the body (thorax) is black with white spots, while the lower part (abdomen) is yellow with black markings. The caterpillar is red with black, hairy spikes covering the body, and is about 2.5 to 3 cm long
Behaviour
These rather slow-flying butterflies are quite common in and around Chennai. They appear to have a weak, somewhat struggling flight, lacking the strong, quick flight of some other species like the common lime. They rest with the wings closed above the back or opened flat. In the latter position, the wings may be held horizontally in line with the head (Fig. 2) or drooping back, displaying a triangular shape (Fig. 3), in common with many butterflies.
The adults are fond of flowers of the invasive lantana bushes among others, while the larvae feed on the leaves of the edible passion fruit, mango, banana, and others. Although not exactly poisonous, these butterflies exude an oily substance from their joints, which apparently repels predators like birds and lizards, but obviously does not work on the Green Lynx Spider which has been seen supping on the insects on several occasions. Tawny costers are found over much of the wetter areas of India, in the plains and hills.
