1. Large to medium size butterflies. Most showy and coloureful butterflies.
2. The largest butterflies (Birdwings) belong to this family.
3. All six legs well developed and fit for walking
4. Cell closed in both wings.
5. Palpi small, probosis well developed, antennae short and stout, sometimes scaled (Graphium).
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Picture 02. - Papilio polymnestor. Notice the well developed probosis, short and stout antennae, well developed six legs and closed cell. |
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5. In some species the hindwing has the tornus extended in to tail, hence the common name 'Swallowtails' given to this family.
6.Generally sexes are similar and some species have sexual dimorphism; in a few species female is polymorphic.
7. In males of some species the margin of hind wing is folded and possesses secondary sexual organs.
8. Larvae of all the species have an extensible fleshy forked organ called an osmeterium in the first thoracic segment.
9. Food plants belong to Aristolochiaceae, Rutaceae, Lauraceae and Umbelliferae (in Sri Lanka).
Family Papilionidae in Sri Lanka
There are 15 species in Sri Lanka with two endemic species
Table. Number of Species from each genus
| Genus |
Number of Species |
|
| Chilasa |
1 |
|
| Graphium |
3 |
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| Pathysa |
2 |
|
| Papilio |
5 |
|
| Pachliopta |
3 |
|
| Troides |
1 |
1 |
Species Account
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