chequered swallowtail

Description:

Unlike most swallowtail butterflies, it does not have a prominent tail. The butterfly is tailless and has a wingspan 80–100 mm.[1]:52 Above, the background colour is black. A broad, irregular coloured band is found on the wings above, which is broken in the case of the forewing. Besides this the butterfly has a large number of irregular spots on the wing.

Habitat:

The widespread range of Papilio demoleus indicates the butterfly's tolerance and adaptation to diverse habitats. It is to be found in savannahs, fallow lands, gardens, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests and shows a preference for stream and riverbeds. In India it is mostly found in the plains . It is common in urban gardens and may also be encountered in wooded country.The butterfly is also a very successful invader, its spread appearing to be due to its strong flight, increase in urbanisation and agricultural land use that opens up new areas for dispersal, and greater availability of foodplants.