Red Helen Swallowtail
Common NameRed Helen Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio helenus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Primary Colorsblack, white, red, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, open woodlands
Geographic RangeSouth Asia, Southeast Asia (including India, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsZanthoxylum, Euodia, Citrus
Flight PeriodMultiple broods, year-round in tropical areas, spring to autumn elsewhere
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are initially dark, later becoming green with cryptic patterns. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged as a twig or leaf.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, overall black coloration, prominent white patches on the hindwings, a distinct row of red-orange marginal spots on the hindwings, and short, broad tails.
Description
A large, elegant butterfly with velvety black wings. Its hindwings feature a prominent white patch and a series of vibrant red-orange crescent-shaped spots along the outer margin, ending in short, broad tails.
