Do you see butterflies flying around you? Do you know there are different types of butterflies? One certain type is Swallowtail. We are going to learn about one type of Swallowtail called the Peacock Swallowtail whose Latin name is Papilio chikae.
What is a swallowtail?
Swallowtail butterflies are a little different from other butterflies. But how? A swallowtail has a new wing style which is tailed, that gives its name. Just like an octopus or a squid, a swallowtail has a unique organ behind the head which squirts out a bad smelling liquid to fool and escape from predators.
What is peacock swallowtail?
Peacock Swallowtail was found by Igarashi in 1965. It is found only in Philippines in the island of Luzon. They are large colorful butterflies with a wing span of 11 -12 cm. The forewing is black. They have tails in hind wing. The body is black and is spotted by green scales. They are considered a relic of the Ice Ages and can only live in the forest in high elevation in Luzon or the poor thing will die!!!!. They fly year around.
Life cycle
Life cycle
The life cycle of peacock swallowtail is like a regular butterfly. There are 4 stages – egg, lava, pupa and adult (a beautiful butterfly). The entire process from egg to a beautiful butterfly takes about one month.
Male and Female
Females are larger in shape and size and duller in color. Males are smaller in shape and size and brighter color.
Male and Female
Females are larger in shape and size and duller in color. Males are smaller in shape and size and brighter color.
Why is it endangered?
No one knows how many peacock swallowtails are left, but it is assumed to be in few thousands. Their predators are birds and human being.
Other swallowtails
There are 500 different types of Swallowtails and are found in all continents except Antarctica. Here are few names
Tiger Swallowtail, Fluminense Swallowtail, Asian Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Scarlet Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Emerald Swallowtail, Spicebush swallowtail and Citrus swallowtail.
Did you enjoy reading and learning about his pretty creature? I wish I could have one as a pet. Several reasons not – they are endangered and they can only live on high elevations like mountains. These are one of the most beautiful creatures found and their loss will be felt in a huge way, if they become extinct. Can we do something to help these cutie creatures? They are just so preeeeeeeeetty!
No one knows how many peacock swallowtails are left, but it is assumed to be in few thousands. Their predators are birds and human being.
Other swallowtails
There are 500 different types of Swallowtails and are found in all continents except Antarctica. Here are few names
Tiger Swallowtail, Fluminense Swallowtail, Asian Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Scarlet Swallowtail, Zebra Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Emerald Swallowtail, Spicebush swallowtail and Citrus swallowtail.
Did you enjoy reading and learning about his pretty creature? I wish I could have one as a pet. Several reasons not – they are endangered and they can only live on high elevations like mountains. These are one of the most beautiful creatures found and their loss will be felt in a huge way, if they become extinct. Can we do something to help these cutie creatures? They are just so preeeeeeeeetty!
