Pink Rose Swallowtail | Pachliopta kotzebeau PUPAE

Pachliopta kotzebuea, commonly known as the pink rose butterfly, is a striking swallowtail species native to the Philippines. It belongs to the Papilionidae family, which includes many notable and vividly colored butterflies. The pink rose is characterized by its velvety black wings and distinct red and white markings along the hindwings, which serve as a warning signal to potential predators. This aposematic coloration is a defense mechanism, as the butterfly is unpalatable due to toxins acquired from its host plants.

The pink rose butterfly primarily inhabits tropical forests, where it flies with a graceful, slow, and hovering flight pattern. Its caterpillars feed on plants from the Aristolochiaceae family, such as Aristolochia trilobata, which contain toxic compounds. These toxins are ingested by the larvae and retained through to adulthood, deterring predation as they taste foul in all stages.