Four-bar Swordtail
Common NameFour-bar Swordtail
Scientific NameGraphium agetes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)70
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, black, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeNortheast India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Peninsular Malaysia
Host PlantsMagnolia champaca, Michelia
Flight PeriodMarch to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant. Larvae feed on the leaves, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features include the four prominent black bars on the forewings, two on the hindwings, and the exceptionally long, sword-like black tails. Small red markings are visible near the base of the hindwings and on the abdomen.
Description
A distinctive white butterfly with bold black stripes across its wings and very long, slender black tails on its hindwings. The body is black with some blue-grey and red markings.
