Euploea core , the common crow , [2] [3] is a common butterfly found in South Asia [2] to Australia. In India it is also sometimes referred to as the common Indian crow , [3] and in Australia as the Australian crow.
Due to its unpalatability it is usually observed gliding through the air with a minimum of effort. As caterpillars, this species sequesters toxins from its food plant which are passed on from larva to pupa to the adult.
While feeding, it is a very bold butterfly, taking a long time at each bunch of flowers. It can also be found mud-puddling with others of its species and often in mixed groups. The males of this species visit plants like Crotalaria and Heliotropium to replenish pheromone stocks which are used to attract a female during courtship. The common crow is the most common representative of its genus, Euploea.
Like the tigers genus Danaus , the crows are inedible and thus mimicked by other Indian butterflies see Batesian mimicry. Accordingly, this species has been studied in greater detail than other members of its genus in India.
The common crow is a glossy-black butterfly with brown undersides with white markings along the outer margins of both wings. The male has a velvety black brand located near the rear edge on the upperside of the forewing. On the underside there is a white streak in the same location.
