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Great helen

Great helen

Papilio iswara

A species of Swallowtails

Papilio iswara, the great Helen, is a species of large swallowtail butterfly found in parts of Southeast Asia.

General Info About Great helen
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Attributes of Great helen
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from various species including lantana, jasminum, buddleja
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia species leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Great helen is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Great helen feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
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Species Status of Great helen
Not uncommon; not threatened
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Predators of Great helen Larvae
Birds, spiders, insects such as ants and wasps, mammals including rodents and primates, reptiles like lizards and small snakes
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Predators of Adult Great helen
Birds, spiders, mammals including bats, reptiles such as lizards and snakes, insects such as dragonflies and mantises
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Interesting Facts About Great helen
Great helen can alter its body's enzyme composition to safely consume toxic plants, using their poisons as defense against predators.
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Scientific Classification of Great helen
Tips for Finding Great helen
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How Can You Attract Great helen
For the adult great helen, bright flowers with nectar such as milkweed or butterfly bush may serve as trap food because they are attractive food sources.
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Habitat Preferences of Great helen Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of great helen are typically laid on the leaves of host plants, often citrus or rutaceae, where the larvae, or caterpillars, have their first meal upon hatching. As larvae, great helen can mainly be found eating and growing on these host plants. To locate them, search leaves for signs of feeding or look for the caterpillars themselves, which may have distinct, colorful patterns. The pupae, or chrysalises, are generally found attached to stems or leaves in more concealed areas, camouflaged against predators—search for these along the branches or under leaves. Adult great helen are frequently seen in open areas such as fields or gardens, where they feed on nectar from flowers, presenting an opportunity to observe their striking wing patterns while they are active. To find adults, it's best to visit areas with abundant flowering plants during sunny weather.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Great helen
The suitable time to find great helen would typically be during daylight hours, particularly on warm, sunny days when these creatures are most active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Great helen
Calm, warm, and sunny weather is preferable since great helen are cold-blooded and require heat from their environment to be active.
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How and Where Can You Find Great helen at Different Life Stages
Egg Great helen eggs are often laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, inspect these areas carefully for small, round or oval-shaped structures.
Larva Larval great helen can be identified by their distinct caterpillar appearance and are commonly found on or near their host plants. Look for leaf damage or frass (caterpillar droppings) as signs of their presence.
Pupal During the pupa stage, great helen will be enclosed within a chrysalis typically attached to structures like plant stems or leaves. Search for these chrysalides by scanning the plants known to be favored by great helen.
Adult Adult great helen are more mobile and can be found nectaring on colorful flowers. Visiting gardens or fields with abundant flowers during the times of day when they are most active increases the chances of spotting them.
Are Great helen harmful?
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Are Great helen harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Great helen
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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
Great helen is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid colors and distinct shapes. While feeding on nectar, they inadvertently collect and transfer pollen, contributing to plant pollination. This interaction showcases a classic example of accidental pollination.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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