Malabar Banded Peacock Swallowtail
Common NameMalabar Banded Peacock Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio crino
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsblack, iridescent green, iridescent blue
HabitatEvergreen and semi-evergreen forests, forest edges, sometimes gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern India (Western Ghats) and Sri Lanka
Host PlantsEuodia roxburghiana, Zanthoxylum rhetsa, Acronychia pedunculata, Glycosmis pentaphylla
Flight PeriodThroughout the year, with peaks after monsoons
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid on host plants, hatching into caterpillars that feed and grow, then pupate into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsLook for the broad, shimmering green-blue bands on deep black wings and the prominent, slender tails on the hindwings. The iridescent quality of the bands is a key identifier.
Description
A striking black swallowtail butterfly featuring broad, iridescent green to blue-green bands across its forewings and hindwings, complemented by long, slender tails on its hindwings.
