Papilio helenus palawanicus

(Staudinger, 1888)

Vernacular names
English : Red helen
French : Hélène rouge

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Papilionidae
Notes : Up 13 other subspecies known.

Identification
Very large species, growing to a wingspan over 15 cm. Black body with white dots on cephalothorax. Black wings with large spatulate tails. White patch on hindwings (usually concealed) and row of red circles near hindwing edges.

Range and habitat
This subspecies is endemic to Palawan and Balabac islands in Philippines. Species found from north India to Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines. Mostly found in forests, including primary and secondary forests.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not listed
Status : The species has a relatively large range but can be vulnerable to habitat loss, especially on islands and some populations could be endangered.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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