Black-and-white Helen Swallowtail
Common NameBlack-and-white Helen Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio nephelus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)105
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (including parts of India, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsZanthoxylum, Euodia, Citrus
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. Caterpillars feed on Rutaceae plants.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its overall black coloration with prominent white bands on the forewings and white spots on the hindwings, coupled with the long tails on the hindwings.
Description
A large, striking black swallowtail butterfly with broad white bands on its forewings and a series of white spots on its hindwings, which also feature prominent tails.
