Mencius's Swallowtail
Common NameMencius's Swallowtail
Scientific NameByasa mencius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatForests, forest edges, often near streams
Geographic RangeChina (various provinces including Sichuan, Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong), Taiwan
Host PlantsAristolochia debilis, Aristolochia contorta
Flight PeriodApril to October (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on Aristolochia species, sequestering toxins that make them and the adult butterflies unpalatable to predators. Larvae are typically dark and spiny, pupae are cryptic.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, overall black coloration, long spatulate tails, and the distinctive pattern of bright crimson crescent-shaped spots on the hindwings.
Description
A large, striking black swallowtail butterfly with long, spatulate tails and a prominent row of crimson lunules along the hindwing margin.
