Tailed Green Jay

Graphium agamemnon

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WINGSPAN 8 to 10cm (3⅛ to 4in)

HABITAT Woodland, rainforests, gardens and urban areas

DISTRIBUTION Native to India, Sri Lanka, through South-East Asia and Australia

LIFESPAN 8 days

MALES AND FEMALES Both species similar but the female has a greenish-white streak which runs along the dorsal margin on both upper and undersides

Often called the Tailed Jay or the Green-Spotted Triangle, this active butterfly continues to flutter its wings whilst feeding on nectar. A strong and agile flier, the spotted apple-green colouring makes it virtually invisible in the rainforest thanks to the way the sunlight filters through the leafy canopy. Although they favour the treetops, adult butterflies can be seen whilst feeding on nectar from flowers such as Poinsettia, Lantana and Mussaenda.