Butterfly populations are a very good indicator of the health of an area's ecosystem !!
Lamproptera curius is a small and unique swallowtail butterfly that can be found in Southern Asia and Southeast Asia.
It belongs to the Dragontails group within the Swallowtail family, and holds the title of being the tiniest member in that whole family.
Its wings are a beautiful mix of black, white, and transparent patches, making it quite eye-catching. The most memorable feature is the long tail on each hindwing.
It's flight, and its movements are quick and unpredictable, much like a dragonfly.
It favor open riverbanks within forests.
Unlike other butterfly species that group together, White Dragontails prefer to puddle separately typically on nearby sand.
Females are generally larger and have broader wings than the males.
There are several behavioral differences between male and female White Dragontail.
Males are more active and often seen flying around in search of mates.
Females are more reclusive and spend most of their time resting on leaves or flowers.
They are usually found in habitat ranging from 500 - 1500 m above sea level.
When thirsty, they have an interesting way of drinking. They squirt water out from their abdomens while taking sips.
There are no seasonal differences in this butterfly's appearance.
They are often found hovering around their favorite plants, restless and rarely taking long breaks.
They can be spotted as early as February, and through December each year.
Their numbers gradually grow from February and experience two surges.
One surge is in June and July, and another is in October and November.
The top surface of the White Dragontail exhibits a muted brownish black hue.
Their forewings boast several unique characteristics. A wide white band extends diagonally from the upper to the lower part of the wing's inner section. The outer portion of this band is transparent, resembling glass. Following the white band is a clear, triangular space not attached to the edges of the wing, exhibiting prominent black veins throughout. A uniformly wide black band lies between the partially transparent band and the clear area, slightly tapering in the middle. The periphery of the wing near its upper and lower boundaries is accentuated by a broad black border that widens as it approaches the wingtip. Additionally, the tiny hairs found at the edge of the wings, known as cilia, are also black.
The hindwing has some interesting features also .
* The white dragontail is not considered to be threatened in most of its range but is considered vulnerable and in need of protection in Peninsular Malaysia.
Diet: nectar of Illigera celebica and Illigera platyandra .
Wingspan: ranging between 2.5 - 4.0cm / .98 - 1.57"
Family: Papilionidae
The white band seen on the forewing continues straight across and comes to a point on the outer part of a 3rd numbered vein of the hindwing. However, unlike the transparent appearance of the band on the forewing, the outer edge of this white band on the hindwing is not so. The posterior half of the wing is a dull dark brown color. Towards the base of the long, narrow tail, which is located at the 4th numbered vein, some white scales sprinkled among the brown color can be seen.
The tiny hairs on the wing's edges, called cilia, are mostly black, but below the 5th numbered vein and along the outer side of the tail's base, they are white.
The tip of the tail is also white.
The life cycle of the butterfly takes about six weeks.
The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
