Graphium (butterfly)

Graphium
Macleay's swallowtail (Graphium macleayanus)
Scientific classification
Domain:	Eukaryota
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Lepidoptera
Family:	Papilionidae
Tribe:	Leptocircini
Genus:	Graphium Scopoli, 1777
Species
More than 100; see text
Synonyms
Zelima Fabricius, 1807 Arisbe Hübner, [1819] Idaides Hübner, [1819] Zetides Hübner, [1819] Ailus Billberg, 1820 Chlorisses Swainson, [1832] Semicudati Koch, 1860 Pathysa Reakirt, [1865] Dalchina Moore, [1881] Paranticopsis Wood-Mason & de Nicéville, 1887 Pazala Moore, 1888 Deoris Moore, [1903] Klinzigia Niculescu, 1977 (nec Lehrer, 1970) Klinzigiana Niculescu, 1989 Eurypyleana Niculescu, 1989 Macfarlaneana Niculescu, 1989 Munroana Niculescu, 1989 Wallaceana Niculescu, 1989

Graphium is a genus of mostly tropical swallowtail butterflies commonly known as swordtails, kite swallowtails, or ladies. Native to Eurasia, Africa, and Oceania, the genus is represented by over 100 species. Their colouration is as variable as the habitats they frequent; from rainforest to savannah. Some possess tails which may be long and swordlike, while others lack any hindwing extensions. Graphium species are often sighted at mud puddles.

The more colourful species are popular with collectors and are commonly seen mounted in frames for sale. Well-known species include the tailed jay (Graphium agamemnon), common bluebottle (G. sarpedon), and the purple-spotted swallowtail (G. weiskei). One species, G. idaeoides, is notable for being a perfect mimic of the danainid Idea leuconoe.

Larvae feed variously on Annonaceae (most commonly), Magnoliaceae (commonly), Lauraceae (commonly), Rutaceae, Dioscoreaceae, Bombacaceae, Piperaceae, Anacardiaceae, Apocynaceae, Malpighiaceae, Hernandiaceae, Guttiferae, Monimiaceae, Pandanaceae, Winteraceae, and Euphorbiaceae.

Note that there is a genus of fungi also called Graphium.