Large-spotted Helen
Common NameLarge-spotted Helen
Scientific NamePapilio memnon
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)135
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, often near water bodies
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (including India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCitrus, Zanthoxylum, Euodia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods elsewhere
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are initially bird-dropping mimics, later green with cryptic patterns. Pupae are camouflaged as twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, overall dark wings, and the distinctive row of orange and black spots on the hindwing margin, particularly on the underside.
Description
A large, dark swallowtail butterfly with a prominent white patch on the forewing (not fully visible here) and a series of orange and black spots along the margin of the hindwing, clearly visible on the underside.
