Grey Swallowtail Moth
Common NameGrey Swallowtail Moth
Scientific NameOurapteryx nivea
FamilyGeometridae
SubfamilyEnnominae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorswhite, grey
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, woodlands
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (e.g., India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsAcacia, Albizia, various trees and shrubs
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: egg, larva (often a twig-mimicking looper caterpillar), pupa, and adult. Larvae feed on the foliage of host plants.
Identification TipsKey features include its predominantly white to pale grey coloration with subtle grey wavy lines, broad wings, and distinctive prominent tails on the hindwings, usually with small dark spots at the tips.
Description
A medium-sized moth with broad, white to pale grey wings featuring fine, wavy grey striations and prominent tails on the hindwings, often with small dark spots near the tail tips.
