Introduction
The Biblidinae are a subfamily of butterflies with over 350 species worldwide, the vast majority of which are neotropical. The genus Ariadne comprises of 14 species, of which 5 occur in Africa, while the remainder are distributed variously from India to the Philippines and the islands of south-east Asia.
Ariadne ariadne is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Laos, Taiwan, Malaysia, Sumatra, Borneo, and Sulawesi.
Habitats
This species is found in disturbed forest habitats including roadsides, clearings, and small glades, at elevations between sea level and about 900m.
Lifecycle
The larval foodplants include Ricinus, Acalypha, Cnesmone, and Tragia ( Euphorbiaceae ).
Adult behaviour
Ariadne ariadne has a nervous but slow, graceful flight, flitting and gliding, weaving and winding its way among bushes and the lower foliage of trees. The butterfly rarely pauses to rest for more than a moment. Both sexes visit flowers for nectar.
