Butterfly populations are a very good indicator of the health of an area's ecosystem !!
Also known as the Blue Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Tailless Black Swallowtail or Black Feather butterfly.
Papilio protenor can be found in India, Japan, Taiwan, Nepal, Hong Kong and China, at elevations from 800 – 2,000 m.
They are quite similar in appearance to the Great Mormon (Papilio Memnon).
The dorsal side of the Spangle butterfly showcases a velvety indigo black hue, with the forewings appearing slightly duller compared to the hindwings.
Males are dark and may have an elongated spot in the costal region of the hind wings.
Females are generally somewhat lighter in color, with bright red spots or bands in the marginal region of the hind wing.
The forewings of both sexes are wide, grayish black, with clearly visible black veins and streaks on all fields between the veins.
The hind wings are black with an elongated light cream spot.
In the anal angle there is an oval red spot with a black center (in males).
In females, the light costal spot on the hind wing is absent; there is a row of red crescent shaped spots in the marginal region.
The tails on the hind wings are either absent or wide and relatively short, depending on the subspecies .
They are considered common and not threatened.
Avg. wingspan: 9 - 12 cm / 3.54 - 4.72 “
Diet: caterpillars feed on Citrus leaves, and Rutaceae family plants.
Diet: adults get nourishment from flower nectar. They also drink from muddy puddles (puddling) to extract essential salt and minerals.
Family: Papilionidae
