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 wings are predominantly white with distinctive salmon-pink to orange patches on the forewings, particularly in males. Females are generally paler and show more extensive markings. The underside displays delicate pinkish and brown patterns that provide camouflage when the butterfly is at rest.
The Salmon Arab is a small, active, and fast-flying butterfly. It flies close to the ground with a rapid and erratic flight pattern and frequently visits flowering plants for nectar. It is often seen basking in sunny open areas and is most active during warm daylight hours.
The Salmon Arab is primarily a resident species but may undertake local seasonal dispersal in response to rainfall patterns, vegetation growth, and food availability. It is not known for long-distance migrations.
Females lay eggs singly on host plants belonging mainly to the family Capparaceae, especially species of Capparis. Breeding occurs throughout the year in tropical regions, with increased activity during and after the monsoon season when host plants flourish.
Its coloration provides camouflage among dry vegetation and flowering shrubs. The rapid, agile flight helps evade predators. Seasonal variation in wing coloration may improve survival under changing environmental conditions. The species is well adapted to hot, dry habitats.
Adults feed primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants. Caterpillars feed on leaves, buds, and young shoots of host plants, particularly caper bushes (Capparis spp.).
The Salmon Arab is commonly found in dry scrublands, grasslands, semi-arid regions, open woodlands, agricultural fields, wastelands, gardens, parks, and urban green spaces.
