The English name is a bit of a misnomer as this Nymphalid is widespread in Southeast Asia while its range in Sri Lanka is limited to the southwest portion of the island. In Japan it is found primarily on the Ryukyu Archipelago. The larva feed on members of the milkweed and dogbane families rendering them poisonous to predators. Other non-poisonous butterflies mimic them. When they settle on flowers, they usually adopt a hang-up position as seen here. This is the nominate race found in southern Japan and Taiwan.
