Theseus Swallowtail
Common NameTheseus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio theseus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)85
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia (Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines)
Host PlantsCitrus, Euodia
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis from egg to larva (caterpillar) feeding on Rutaceae plants, then pupates into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall black body and wings, distinguished by the prominent white band on the hindwings and the lack of significant tails on the hindwings.
Description
A large, predominantly black swallowtail butterfly with a broad band of white patches across the hindwings and a series of smaller white spots along the hindwing margins. The forewings are uniformly black.
