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 pale greyish-white to light brown with dark markings. The underside displays a distinctive pattern of black spots, streaks, and bands on a whitish background. Fine tail-like projections on the hindwings contribute to its characteristic appearance.
The Rounded Pierrot is a small, active butterfly that flies rapidly among low shrubs and bushes. It is often seen basking in sunlight with its wings partially open and frequently visits flowering plants. Adults remain close to their host plants and are most active during warm, sunny periods.
The Rounded Pierrot is a resident species and is not known to undertake long-distance migrations. Local seasonal movements may occur in response to rainfall patterns and host plant availability.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants, particularly species of Ziziphus (jujube) and related shrubs. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with peak activity generally observed during and after the monsoon season.
The hindwing tails and markings create a "false head" effect that helps divert predator attacks away from the butterfly's actual head. Cryptic coloration on the wing underside provides camouflage when resting. Associations with ants improve larval survival and reduce predation.
Adults feed primarily on nectar from small flowering plants and occasionally visit damp soil to obtain minerals. Caterpillars feed on leaves, flower buds, and young shoots of host plants. The larvae often maintain mutualistic relationships with ants, which provide protection in exchange for sugary secretions.
The Rounded Pierrot is commonly found in dry scrublands, thorn forests, open woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, village outskirts, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.
