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Blue peacock swallowtail

Blue peacock swallowtail

Papilio arcturus

A species of Swallowtails

Male has the upper wings brownish black, somewhat paler on the forewing than on the hindwing. Forewing irrorated (sprinkled) with brilliant golden-green scales that on the posterior half of the wing form a broad, not well-defined subterminal band; the veins and elongate streaks between them on the outer half of the wing velvety black. Hindwing has the posterior three-fourths irrorated with brilliant golden-green scales as on the forewing but towards the base anteriorly these are blue; a conspicuous brilliant blue patch somewhat irregular in shape occupies the apex of the cell and the bases of interspaces 5 and 6, prolonged as a broad streak in the latter interspace up to the terminal margin; below this a more or less triangular patch on the disc and above it the whole of the costal margin broadly are devoid of the irroration of green scales; a subterminal generally incomplete series of large claret-red lunules terminates at the tornal angle in a large conspicuous black-centred red ocellus; the latter is encircled above and anteriorly by a narrow band formed by a conflux of the green irrorated scales; the lunules are bordered outwardly by spots of the ground colour that are devoid of the green scales; finally both the lunules and the tornal ocellus are tinged more or less with bluish purple on their inner margins, underside dull black, with a somewhat sparse irroration of yellowish-white scales confined on the forewing to the base and apex, and on the hindwing to the posterior two-thirds, not extended to the termen except along the tail. Forewing: a broad ill-defined subterminal pale transverse area, crossed by the black veins and internervular streaks, and elongated pale cellular streaks. Hindwing: a large somewhat quadrate terminal black-centred claret-red patch in interspaces 1 and 2, and a subterminal series of broad claret-red lunules that extends from interspaces 3 to 7, followed by ill-defined anteciliary red spots in each interspace. Cilia of both forewings and hindwings white, alternated with black. Antennae, head, thorax and abdomen brownish black; the head, thorax and abdomen at base on the upperside sprinkled with golden-green scales. The female is similar to the male but the markings are more prominent. Upperside of forewing has the subterminal golden-green band broader and on the hindwing the subterminal series of claret-red lunules more complete than in the male.

General Info About Blue peacock swallowtail
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Attributes of Blue peacock swallowtail
Colors
Brown
Black
Green
Yellow
White
Blue
Orange
Habitat
forest; hill; open countryside
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, flower nectar from jasminum, flower nectar from buddleja, flower nectar from ixora, flower nectar from hibiscus
Larva Food Source
Citrus plant leaves, rutaceae family plant leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
Not reported
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
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Life Cycle of Blue peacock swallowtail
Egg Small, often spherical, the eggs of blue peacock swallowtail can vary in color and texture. They are laid in careful locations selected for the food sources needed by the larvae.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of blue peacock swallowtail is worm-like, with a focus on feeding and growth. It sheds its skin multiple times as it increases in size.
Pupal The blue peacock swallowtail enters a motionless pupal stage, encased within a chrysalis. Here, a radical transformation occurs as it metamorphoses into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult blue peacock swallowtail'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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Predators of Blue peacock swallowtail Larvae
Birds, small mammals, other insect species, reptiles
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Predators of Adult Blue peacock swallowtail
Birds, spiders, mammals, reptiles, insects (like ants and wasps)
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Interesting Facts About Blue peacock swallowtail
Certain blue peacock swallowtail individuals showcase a fascinating behavior known as hilltopping, where they congregate on hilltops to compete for mates.
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Scientific Classification of Blue peacock swallowtail
Tips for Finding Blue peacock swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Blue peacock swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Blue peacock swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Blue peacock swallowtail
For adults, use colorful flowers or sweet baits, such as fermented fruit or sugar solutions. For caterpillars, provide host plants like citrus leaves.
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Habitat Preferences of Blue peacock swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of blue peacock swallowtail are typically deposited on the host plant leaves, often on the underside for protection. Searching for eggs requires examining these plants closely. As for larvae, they can be found on or near their specific host plants, feeding and going through growth stages. Looking for larvae involves inspecting the leaves and stems of these plants. The pupae are normally found in more hidden, sheltered locations near the host plants, such as on the underside of leaves or twigs, often camouflaged. To find the pupae, careful observation is required in these areas. Adults are usually found in environments with abundant nectar sources, such as flowering gardens, meadows, or forest edges. To observe the adult blue peacock swallowtail, these flowering areas are ideal for their increased activity, particularly on sunny days.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Blue peacock swallowtail
The suitable time for finding blue peacock swallowtail depends on their life stage. Adult blue peacock swallowtail are typically active and easier to spot on warm, sunny days, especially in the morning and late afternoon. Caterpillars may be found throughout the day.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Blue peacock swallowtail
Weather conditions for finding blue peacock swallowtail should be dry and not too windy, as blue peacock swallowtail prefer warm and stable environments, especially when they are active or basking.
Are Blue peacock swallowtail harmful?
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Are Blue peacock swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Blue peacock swallowtail
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Agricultural Pests

When present in small numbers, blue peacock swallowtail larvae may cause limited leaf damage with minor impacts on crop yields. In large infestations, however, they can lead to severe defoliation, compromising the photosynthesis process and drastically reducing plant vigor, potentially causing significant agricultural losses. Such widespread damage can have downstream effects on food supply and prices.

More Effects of Blue peacock swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Blue peacock swallowtail
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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
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Blue peacock swallowtail is a fascinating pollinator, fluttering from flower to flower in search of pollen. Its preference for vibrant colors and unique flower shapes guides it, as it incidentally deposits pollen, facilitating cross-pollination while feeding on the flower's nutrients.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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