Chinese windmill
Common NameChinese windmill
Scientific NameByasa alcinous
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, pale grey, pink, red
HabitatForests, woodlands, stream banks
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan)
Host PlantsAristolochia species
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are dark, spiny, and feed exclusively on Aristolochia plants, accumulating toxins that make them unpalatable to predators. Pupae are camouflaged.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of pale, dark-veined forewings and black, red-spotted, tailed hindwings. The red spots on the hindwings are a key feature.
Description
A striking swallowtail butterfly with pale greyish-white forewings featuring prominent black veins, and black hindwings adorned with a row of pinkish-red spots and long, elegant tails.
