Doi Suthep-Pui NP, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Papilionidae
Sub-Family : Papilioninae
Genus : Byasa
Species : Byasa dasarada barata
This large and beautiful butterfly, with a wingspan of 90-110mm, has a narrow distribution band from Nepal, NE India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and southern China. Unfortunately this may be the reason why little research appears to have been carried out on this species and only limited information is available. Its main habitat seems to be hilly forest, often near streams, up to an altitude of around 2700m. It has also however been recorded at much lower elevations.
The larvae have been observed on plants from the Aristolochiaceae family, notably Aristolochia tagala, Aristolochia dilatata, and Aristolochia griffithi. From my own observations they are avid puddlers and slightly variable in appearance. The underside of the hindwing has two and sometimes, like the one above, three white spots. The flight period may be restricted as the host plants are somewhat seasonal, although that may depend upon the altitude where they grow.
All my insect pics are handheld single shots of live animals, usually in the wild.
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