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Chain swordtail

Chain swordtail

Graphium aristeus

A species of Swordtails

The first description was given by Caspar Stoll in 1782. The forewings are yellowish. The outer part of the wing is dark brown and contains a thin yellow strip. Four dark brown stripes dominate the wing. Next to the body there is a dark brown area. The underside of Graphium aristeus is very similar to the upperside. The hindwings are yellowish and they have long tails. The edge is wavy. The outer part of the wing is dark brown and contains a chain of yellow spots. The inner edge is dark brown. In the middle of the wing there is a dark brown strip. The underside is very similar to the upperside, but a chain of red spots dominates the wing. The body is black. The thorax and the head are also black. The underside of all parts is yellow.

General Info About Chain swordtail
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Attributes of Chain swordtail
Colors
Brown
Black
Yellow
Red
White
Habitat
rainforest; humid deciduous forest; evergreen forest; stream; river
Adult Food Sources
Lantana, jatropha, ixora, hibiscus, poinsettia
Larva Food Source
Uvaria, saraca thaipingensis, pseuduvaria, hieronyma, polyalthia
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Distribution Area of Chain swordtail
Graphium aristeus is a butterfly from the Australasian and Indomalayan realms. It is also widely distributed in New Guinea. Papua localities: Salawati: Salawati Mountains; Biak: Wardo; New Guinea: Akimuga (Kampong Baru & Fafafuku), Beaufortbivak, Dabra (Mamberamo), East Tami, Homasam, Kobakama, Kopi River (Timika), Kuala Kenkana (Timika), Van Weels Camp (Keerom), Wendesi, Werba (Fakfak) External distribution: Northern India, Sikkim to South China, Philippines and Indonesia, New Guinea, Queensland, New Britain, New Ireland and Manus.
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Life Cycle of Chain swordtail
Egg The chain swordtail starts as an egg, which is laid on host plants. The egg is tiny, spherical, and may be colored to blend with the surroundings. This stage is for nurturing the developing embryo within.
Larva Hatching from the egg, the larva, also known as a caterpillar, exhibits rapid growth. It is worm-like, with a distinct head, chewing mouthparts, and several pairs of legs. Its primary function is to feed voraciously on plant material.
Pupal Upon reaching a critical size, the chain swordtail enters the pupal stage, forming a chrysalis. During this time, it undergoes remarkable transformation, reorganizing the larval body into an adult. The pupa remains immobile and is often camouflaged.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult chain swordtail’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Chain swordtail
Chain swordtail can have a wingspan reaching up to 12 cm, and is known for its strikingly vibrant color patterns that serve as a deterrent to predators.
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Scientific Classification of Chain swordtail
Tips for Finding Chain swordtail
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How Can You Attract Chain swordtail
Chain swordtail adults are likely attracted to nectar-rich flowers, while caterpillars may prefer specific host plants depending on the stage of growth.
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Habitat Preferences of Chain swordtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of chain swordtail are typically deposited on the leaves of host plants found in tropical forests and nearby fields. As they hatch, caterpillars remain on the plant, feeding on its leaves before finding a secure spot, like the underside of a branch, to pupate. The chrysalis hangs inconspicuously as it develops. The resulting adults often inhabit forest edges, mud puddles, or open areas in or near woodlands to feed on nectar. To find the different growth stages, search the host plants for eggs or caterpillars, examine branches or leaves for chrysalises, and explore sunny clearings or forest peripheries for fluttering adults.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Chain swordtail
Early morning or late afternoon periods are the best times to find chain swordtail since butterflies are typically less active and easier to approach when the weather is cooler.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Chain swordtail
Warm and dry conditions with little to no wind are ideal for spotting chain swordtail as they are more likely to be active and visible in favorable weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Chain swordtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Chain swordtail eggs are generally laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Locating them requires careful inspection of potential host plants, looking for small, round or oval eggs that may be translucent or colored.
Larva Chain swordtail caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Searching for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves or frass (caterpillar droppings), can help locate these larvae.
Pupal Chain swordtail chrysalises are often well-camouflaged and can be found attached to plant stems or leaf underside. They may also seek sheltered areas like tree bark or building eaves to pupate.
Adult Chain swordtail adults are most likely to be found near nectar sources such as flowering plants. Observing and exploring gardens, meadows, and forests during suitable weather conditions increases the chances of sightings.
Are Chain swordtail harmful?
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Are Chain 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 Chain 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, Smell
Chain swordtail contributes to pollination largely incidentally while searching for nectar to consume. As they move from flower to flower, their bodies come into contact with pollen, which is then transferred to the next bloom they visit.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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