Common Windmill
Common NameCommon Windmill
Scientific NameByasa polyeuctes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)95
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatSubtropical and tropical forests, often near streams and hills
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (e.g., India, China, Nepal, Thailand, Vietnam)
Host PlantsAristolochia
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, generally March to November depending on region
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on Aristolochia host plants. Larvae are dark with fleshy tubercles, feeding on the host. Pupae are cryptic, resembling a twig or leaf.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, velvety black wings, long spatulate hindwing tails, and the distinctive row of crimson-red spots on the hindwings and red markings on the body.
Description
A large, velvety black butterfly with long, spatulate tails on its hindwings, which feature a prominent series of crimson-red spots. Its body is also marked with red.
