Dainty Swallowtail
Common NameDainty Swallowtail
Scientific NameGraphium weiskei
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)65
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeNew Guinea (Indonesia and Papua New Guinea)
Host PlantsDesmos species
Flight PeriodThroughout the year
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike all butterflies, it undergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar) feeding on host plants, pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the unique combination of dark wings with large white patches and a row of bright orange-red submarginal spots on the hindwings. It typically lacks prominent tails, distinguishing it from many other swallowtails.
Description
A striking swallowtail with dark brown to black wings featuring a prominent pattern of white spots and a distinctive row of orange-red spots along the hindwing margin.
