Japanese Peacock Swallowtail
Common NameJapanese Peacock Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio bianor
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patterniridescent
Primary Colorsblack, blue, green
HabitatForests, woodlands, along streams and rivers
Geographic RangeEast Asia (Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, parts of Indochina and India)
Host PlantsZanthoxylum, Phellodendron, Citrus
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on plants from the Rutaceae family, pupating into a chrysalis that often camouflages as a twig or leaf before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, the striking iridescent blue-green bands and spots on its otherwise black wings, and the distinctive long, spatulate tails on the hindwings.
Description
A large, dark swallowtail butterfly characterized by its iridescent blue-green markings that shimmer against a black background, and prominent tails on its hindwings.
