Pathysa antiphates itamputi - Butler 1885    The Fivebar Swallowtail

                                                                                                                           ©Simon Sng upperside          Male                    underside
Flight Period Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Wingspan : 55 - 70mm

Species details : One of two species of 'Swordtails' found on Samui, and by far the commoner. This is primarily a forest species and can be found flying close to rivers and streams,

When resting, with its wings closed, it can not be mistaken for any other species, with its green colouring. However, in flight, its rapid wing movements make it easily mistaken for a Pierid butterfly. The males of this species love to puddle, and at times, large numbers can be found congregated around a single damp patch.

Early Stages         : Known. More detailed life history information is available from the following resource: ButterflyCircle Blog (courtesy of Dr. Horace Tan.)

Larval Foodplant : Annona lawii (Annonaceae)

Range                    : Peninsular Thailand and Malaysia. (Other subspecies from Sri Lanka, India to South China, Sundaland and the Lesser Sunda Islands).