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Five-bar swordtail

Five-bar swordtail

Graphium antiphates

A species of Swordtails

With wings that exhibit a palette of primarily black and green, five-bar swordtail flutters through its habitat, engaging in a remarkable migratory journey. The adults favor nectar from a variety of flowering plants, while their larvae feed exclusively on the leaves of the family Lauraceae. Their striking appearance, marked by elongated 'tails' on their hindwings, serves as a deceptive tool against predators, masquerading as false antennae and misdirecting attacks away from their vital body parts.

General Info About Five-bar swordtail
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Attributes of Five-bar swordtail
Colors
Brown
Green
Yellow
White
Habitat
forest
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, buddleja, pentas, ixora, hibiscus
Larva Food Source
Leaves of rutaceae plants, citrus plants, ruta graveolens, murraya paniculata, choisya ternata
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Five-bar swordtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
The Five-bar swordtail is often found near the corolla, where its fluffy hairs easily pick up pollen, assisting in the pollination of the plant.
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Five-bar swordtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Species Status of Five-bar swordtail
It is found in south and southeast Asia.
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Distribution Area of Five-bar swordtail
South, southeast Asia
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Life Cycle of Five-bar swordtail
Egg The egg stage involves the five-bar swordtail's existence as a small, spherical or ovate object, often laid on plant material. The color can vary from white to a color matching the host plant, camouflaging the egg from predators.
Larva During the larva stage, the five-bar swordtail primarily focuses on feeding and growth. It is worm-like, with a soft body, and can exhibit various colors for camouflage or warning. It undergoes several molts, each time increasing in size.
Pupal The pupa stage is a transition phase where five-bar swordtail undergoes a remarkable transformation inside a chrysalis. The pupa can blend with the environment, and despite its immobility, significant internal changes prepare it for adulthood.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult five-bar swordtail displays vibrant colors and patterns on their wings. The body is slender, with compound eyes and developed mouthparts suited for nectar feeding. The adult five-bar swordtail focuses on reproduction and dispersal.
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Predators of Adult Five-bar swordtail
Birds, spiders, monkeys, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Five-bar swordtail
Despite its delicate appearance, five-bar swordtail can reach rapid flight speeds, making it a highly agile and swift creature in the air.
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Scientific Classification of Five-bar swordtail
Tips for Finding Five-bar swordtail
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Youth Habitat of Five-bar swordtail
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Five-bar swordtail
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Five-bar swordtail
For five-bar swordtail, the use of trap food is not typically relevant as it is for some other insects; instead, locating the host plants is crucial for finding them.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Five-bar swordtail
Ideal weather conditions for finding five-bar swordtail include warm temperatures with little to no wind. Butterflies are generally not active during the rain or in overcast, windy, or cold conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Five-bar swordtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of five-bar swordtail are typically laid on the host plants. To find them, search on the leaves of host plants, often on the undersides, looking for small, spherical or ovate objects.
Larva Caterpillars of five-bar swordtail can be found on or near their host plants, especially on leaves they feed upon. Look for signs of feeding damage, frass (caterpillar droppings), or the caterpillars themselves resting on stems or the undersides of leaves.
Pupal The pupa of five-bar swordtail is usually attached to plant stems or concealed in the foliage. Search carefully through the host plants and nearby vegetation for the camouflaged chrysalises.
Adult Adult five-bar swordtail are mobile and can be found near nectar sources such as flowering plants. Look for them during the warmest part of the day as they feed, bask, or seek mates. They can also sometimes be found roosting in vegetation in the early morning or late evening.
Are Five-bar swordtail harmful?
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Usually, the five-bar swordtail won't threaten or hurt humans. But remember that even a worm will turn. Remember to still be cautious.

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Are Five-bar swordtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Five-bar swordtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Five-bar swordtail is known to partake in the pollination process while seeking sweet nectar within flowers. As it flutters from bloom to bloom, pollen inadvertently clings to its body, facilitating the cross-pollination of plants. This incidental yet effective contribution to plant reproduction is a remarkable characteristic of five-bar swordtail.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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