Chinese Yellow Swallowtail
Common NameChinese Yellow Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio xuthus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)85
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatGardens, parks, woodlands, urban areas, agricultural lands
Geographic RangeEast Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Russian Far East)
Host PlantsCitrus, Zanthoxylum, Poncirus
Flight PeriodApril to October
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae initially mimic bird droppings, later turning green with eye-like spots. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and white striped pattern (though summer forms can be more yellow), prominent hindwing tails, and the combination of blue and orange markings, particularly the orange eyespot.
Description
A medium to large swallowtail butterfly with black wings marked by broad white or cream stripes and spots, featuring blue and orange markings on the hindwings, including a distinctive orange eyespot and prominent tails.
