Swordtail and Swallowtail Butterfly

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Five-bar Swordtail
Five-bar Swordtail

Both swordtail and swallowtail butterflies are grouped into the same family, namely  Papilionidae which is distinguished by the protrusions on their hindwings. In the case of swallowtails, these extensions often form twin tails reminiscent of a swallow’s forked tail. Swordtails, as their name implies, showcase a distinct, single sword-like extension which can clearly be seen in the Five-bar Swordtail (Graphium antiphates), for example.  It also differs from many swallowtail by their iridescent wings with green and yellow bands against a black background.

Common Mormon
Common Mormon

Swallowtails such as the Common Mormon (Papilio polytes) has a somewhat broader wings, though they are not as quick as swordtails but still a strong flier.  Their wings are mainly black, with pale streaks visible up close on the forewings, while the hindwings have white streaks punctuated with red crescent markings. Interestingly, the female of this species exhibits a form of mimicry in which it mimics other toxic swallowtails like the Crimson Rose (Pachliota hector) to avoid predator.

Both types of lepidopterans are well represented in this region, but swallowtails have a much broader distribution, being found in other parts of the world including Europe and America. Swordtails, however, are found only in forests and gardens of Asia and Australia.



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