Tawny Mime Swallowtail
Common NameTawny Mime Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio clytia
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsblack, white, orange, pale blue
HabitatForests, open woodlands, gardens, often near host plants
Geographic RangeSouth and Southeast Asia (India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, southern China, Malaysia, Indonesia)
Host PlantsLitsea, Cinnamomum, Alseodaphne, Persea, Neolitsea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are cryptic, often resembling bird droppings in early instars, and pupate into camouflaged chrysalides.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black, pale blue/white, and orange pattern, often mimicking *Euploea* species. Look for the specific arrangement of pale streaks on the forewings and the prominent orange patch on the hindwings, usually without tails.
Description
A large swallowtail butterfly known for its mimicry, displaying black wings with pale blue or white streaks on the forewings and a prominent orange patch on the hindwings, bordered by white spots.
