IUCN RED LIST
Established in 1964, The IUCN Red List is a critical indicator of the health of the world’s biodiversity. Species are classified by the IUCN Red List into nine groups, through criteria such as rate of decline, population size and area of geographic distribution as:
- Extinct (EX) – This species is no longer extant
- Extinct in the wild (EW) – Survives only in captivity, or through cultivation often outside native range
- Critically endangered (CR) – In an extremely critical state
- Endangered (EN) – Very high risk of extinction in the wild
- Vulnerable (VU) – At high risk of unnatural (human-caused) extinction
- Near Threatened (NT) – Close to being endangered in the near future
- Least Concern (LC) – Widespread and abundant in the wild
- Data Deficient (DD) – Inadequate information to assess extinction risk
- Not Evaluated (NE) – Has not yet been assessed
The upper side of the wings is dark brown to blackish with orange-red markings near the hindwings. The underside is beautifully patterned with white, black, and crimson-red markings. Fine tail-like projections on the hindwings enhance its attractive appearance
The Red Pierrot is a small and delicate butterfly with a weak but active flight. It usually flies close to the ground and frequently settles on leaves and flowers. It is commonly seen basking in sunlight during morning hours and remains active during warm weather.
The Red Pierrot is a non-migratory butterfly. However, local seasonal dispersal may occur depending on rainfall and availability of host plants.
Breeding occurs mainly during monsoon and post-monsoon seasons when host plants are abundant. Females lay eggs singly on the leaves of succulent host plants. Caterpillars feed on the fleshy leaves and pupate on stems or nearby surfaces. Males often patrol territories in search of females.
Bright red and black coloration warns predators. Tail-like extensions on hindwings can misdirect predator attacks. Caterpillars are specially adapted to feed on water-rich succulent plants. Small body size allows easy movement among dense vegetation.
Adult Red Pierrots mainly feed on nectar from small flowering plants and herbs. They are also occasionally seen feeding on moisture and minerals from damp soil. The larvae feed primarily on succulent plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family.
The Red Pierrot is commonly found in gardens, scrublands, dry deciduous forests, urban parks, agricultural fields, and rocky hillsides. It is especially associated with areas where succulent plants such as Kalanchoe and Bryophyllum grow.
