Swallowtail Butterflies

About

A swallowtail butterfly is any of a group of butterflies in the family Papilionidae.

The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.

They are named for the characteristic tail-like extensions of the hindwings, although many species are tailless. 

This butterfly is the state butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh.

Species

There are many species but the most famous ones include Blue-striped mime (Papilio slateri), Bhutan glory (Bhutanitis lidderdalii), and Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis).

Features

Their colour patterns vary, although many species have yellow, orange, red, green, or blue markings on an iridescent black, blue, or green background. 

Many swallowtails mimic the colouration and patterns of butterflies that are protected by bad taste.

Distribution

The swallowtail butterflies are found worldwide except in the Arctic. 

Feeding habit

The brightly coloured larvae feed on foliage. 

Black and yellow eyelike spots on the thorax of some larvae resemble the head of a snake.

Life Cycle

The Butterfly has 4 stage life cycle- 

1. Egg/ovum
2. Caterpillar/Larva
3. Chrysalis/Pupa
4. Adult/Imago

Mating behaviour

After mating, the male Parnassines produce a glue-like substance that is used to seal the female genital opening and prevent other males from mating. 

They lay individual eggs on the underside of the leaves of their food plants.

Threat

Since swallowtail butterflies are large, colourful, and attractive, they have been targeted by butterfly collectors.

Conservation Status

Some species have been declared globally endangered.

Conservation status varies across countries.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the “swallowtail butterfly” recently seen in the news: 

1. This butterfly is the state butterfly of Andhra Pradesh.
2. They are found only in tropical countries.
3. They are kept under the least concern category by IUCN.

How many of the above statements is/are incorrect?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C. All Three

D.None

Answer: C

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect: 

A swallowtail butterfly is any of a group of butterflies in the family Papilionidae.

The family includes the largest butterflies in the world, the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera.

They are named for the characteristic tail-like extensions of the hindwings, although many species are tailless. 

This rare butterfly is the state butterfly of Arunachal Pradesh.

Statement 2 is incorrect: 

The swallowtail butterflies are found worldwide except in the Arctic.

Statement 3 is incorrect: 

Some species have been declared globally endangered.

Conservation status varies across countries.