Congratulations Pachliopta aristolochiae, you’ve been voted by the people of Singapore as the nation’s new Butterfly Idol.
The poll to crown a new butterfly to represent Singapore on the world’s insectoid kingdom was launched by the Nature Society Singapore on Mar 21, where Singaporeans and Permanent Residents were invited to vote for their favourite nectar-feeding invertebrate.
Over 7,500 votes were cast, says The Straits Times, and the Common Rose emerged from their cocoon of obscurity into Singapore’s national butterfly.
Widely found in across South and Southeast Asia, the large tailed butterfly sports a red body as well as patterns of bright red and white colouration on its black wings. The society quite cornily mentioned that the patterns are reminiscent of Singapore’s national flag.
Apologies to the other five candidates — the Painted Jezebel, Common Birdwing, Common Tiger, Common Tree Nymph and Knight. Better luck next life cycle.
Photo: Volkmar Becher via Flickr
