Green Dragontail Butterfly
Common NameGreen Dragontail Butterfly
Scientific NameLamproptera meges
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)48
Primary Colorsblack, white, blue-green
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, often near streams and damp areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (India, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, southern China)
Host PlantsHernandia nymphaeifolia, Hernandia peltata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, often more common during the wet season
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on the host plant leaves. Larvae are green with yellow markings and feed on the leaves. Pupation occurs on the host plant or nearby vegetation.
Identification TipsLook for its small size, extremely long tails, transparent forewings with a blue-green band, and the white band on the hindwings. Its unique, rapid, hovering flight pattern, resembling a dragonfly, is also a strong identifier.
Description
A small, striking black butterfly characterized by its long, slender tails on the hindwings, a broad white band across the hindwings, and a distinctive iridescent blue-green band on the forewings, which are partially transparent.
