Swallowtail Butterflies: Biology and Ecology of a Few Indian Species

Butterflies, admitted on all hands, are exquisitely beautiful winged insects whose bodies and wings are covered with minute scales. What has been attempted to focus on in this reference book is a detailed study of the biology and ecology of a few Indian species of Swallowtail Butterflies for three genera, viz. Graphium, Papilio and Atrophaneura. Swallowtail Butterflies fall under a particular family known as Papilionidae, which contains the most beautiful and largest butterflies of the world. Though not universal, most of the species of this group have a tail like projection in their hind wings. Owing to their enormous size and magnificent beauty they are often regarded as Show Case Family. This comprehensive work by the author is the outcome of his twenty years’ extensive knowledge of butterfly study. A number of coloured plates depicting the different metamorphic stages of at least six species will arouse the inquisitiveness of the students, researchers and common readers who love nature. The detailed Scanning Electron Microscopy and Histological studies of different parts of the caterpillars, particularly Osmeterium, the silent defensive scent horns found in each and every Larval Instar of this particular family will surely provoke the readers into learning this particular group of butterflies and their conservation.