Appearance
The Malabar Raven is a blackish brown tailless swallowtail, about 80 to 100 mm in size. Both the sexes are similar and are mimics of the unpalatable Common Crow ''Euploea core''. The upper forewing has a small white spot at the end of the cell, a complete series of equal sized marginal white spots in regular row and a terminal series of spots decreasing in size towards the apex. The upper hind wing has a discal series of arrowshaped white spots. It also has a submarginal series of elongated white crescent shaped markings. There is a white fringe between the veins. The outer halves of wings have a dusting of yellowish brown scales.
Status
Uncommon but not known to be threatened. Commonest in Wynaad and Coorg in the past. Rarer towards the extremities of its range.Habitat
This butterfly frequents heavy jungles of the Western Ghats between 1000 to 3000 feet. It has been recorded in January and from March to October.Food
* ''Glycosmis pentaphylla'' of the family Rutaceae. Others that have been noted include ''Clausena heptaphylla''.References:
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