The Five-bar Swordtail, also known as Graphium antiphates, is a stunning butterfly species that belongs to the Papilionidae family. Recognized for its unique wing designs, it features five distinct blue bars on its predominantly black wings. With a wingspan typically ranging from 55 to 80 mm, the Five-bar Swordtail's captivating appearance makes it a popular choice among butterfly enthusiasts.
Habitat of The Five-bar Swordtail
These remarkable butterflies can thrive in various environments like forests, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They mostly reside in tropical and subtropical areas, with their habitat extending from sea level up to 2000 meters in altitude.
Flight Behaviour and Patterns of The Five-bar Swordtail
Watching the flight of a Five-bar Swordtail is truly enjoyable. Known for their speedy and agile flights, they can often be spotted gracefully flying around flowers. Their strong wings allow them to land quickly when searching for food or evading predators.
Life Cycle of The Five-bar Swordtail
The Five-bar Swordtail, like other butterflies, goes through a four-stage metamorphosis: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult. The butterflies lay their eggs on Rutaceae family host plants. After hatching into caterpillars, they feast on the host plant's leaves to prepare for their transformation into the mesmerizing adult butterflies we adore.
Features and Behavior: Male and Female Five-bar Swordtail
While sharing some key physical traits, male and female Five-bar Swordtails do have distinct differences in appearance and behavior. Males typically have bolder blue wing bars and slightly brighter colors. They also exhibit territorial disputes more frequently and engage in interesting mating rituals that include attracting females through visual displays and intricate flight maneuvers.
Distribution and Spotting of Five-bar Swordtail in Nepal
Home to an array of butterfly species including Five-bar Swordtails, Nepal offers an exciting opportunity to observe these beauties, especially between April and November. Some prime butterfly-watching spots in Nepal include Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Chitwan National Park, and numerous hiking trails in the Annapurna region.
In summary, the Five-bar Swordtail butterfly is a captivating species with its intriguing life cycle and vivid color patterns. If you're lucky enough to visit Nepal or other regions where these butterflies reside, taking the time to observe and appreciate them will definitely create cherished memories.