Banded Swallowtail
Common NameBanded Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio demolion
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, white, yellow, orange
HabitatForests, open woodlands, gardens, cultivated areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Murraya koenigii, Clausena excavata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant leaves. Caterpillars are green with white markings, resembling bird droppings in early instars, and later develop a more typical swallowtail shape. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis, often camouflaged as a twig.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive broad white band across the black wings, which is continuous from the forewing to the hindwing. The presence of tails on the hindwings and a row of yellow/orange spots along the hindwing margin are also key features.
Description
This is a medium to large black swallowtail butterfly with a prominent broad white band extending across both the forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature a series of yellow or orange submarginal spots and distinct tails.
