Butterfly populations are a very good indicator of the health of an area's ecosystem !!
The Spot Swordtail gets its name from the line of distinct white spots along the margin of its wings.
They are found in southern and eastern India (including Sikkim and Assam), Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam,
Laos and Kambuchea.
They are generally found in deciduous forest areas, among bushes with lesser secondary growth.
They are abundant below 3,000 feet (910 m), and more rare above this altitude.
They typically stay close to hilly and forested territory.
They are shy and wary and fly close to the ground with an erratic, fast flight, especially when disturbed.
They bask close to the ground, with wings partially open or completely spread when they want to increase their body temperature.
Individuals are active from February - June, although they are most abundant in March - April. They have been recorded in western India from July onwards for a few months.
In the Nilgiris they have been seen on wing from February - October.
They are considered generalist pollinators, attracted to flowers with bright colors and / or specific shapes. As they feed, they unintentionally collect and transport pollen, aiding plant pollination. (This interaction highlights their unintended yet important role in the ecosystem.)
They are not poisonous, but have glands that secrete foul odors and chemicals.
Potential predators are birds, spiders, monkeys and reptiles.
Diet: caterpillars feed mainly in the evening and at night on host plants such as Miliusa tomentosum, Miliusa velutina and Polyalthia longifolia of the family Annonaceae.
Miliusa tomentosum is a deciduous tree that they also use.
Diet: Adults are fond of Gmelina arborea, a deciduous tree found in dry areas. They take nectar from Lantana, Ixora, Jasmine, Hibiscus, Buddleia.
Large numbers can be seen puddling on damp roads and wet patches, especially in hot summers, in order to gain salt and necessary nutrients. Graphium nomius is also attracted to the nectar of its favorite flowers, and other foods such as fermented ripe fruits like bananas or mangoes.
Avg. Wingspan: 9.4 - 10 cm / 3.7 - 3.93 “
Family: Papilionidae
