Description : The Great Helen is a large butterfly, usually seen flying erratically and restlessly amongst the forested areas in Singapore. It is a sight to behold as its size is unmistakable, and the white hindwing patches seen clearly as it weaves in and out of the dark forest foliage. It can often be seen fluttering around flowering bushes and particularly likes Ixora. The white patch on the upperside of the hindwing extends from vein 4 to the apex. The female has a large black ocellus ringed with red in each of the spaces 1a and 2 on the hindwing above. Habitat & habits : This species is generally found within the forested areas and is rarely seen in suburban or urban areas. It usually flies at a height of 5-6 m above the ground, except when it comes down to feed at flowering bushes. Like many of the Papilio species, it flutters its forewings whilst its hindwings are kept relatively still when it stops to feed at flowers. When it stops to rest, the butterfly folds its forewings over its hindwings such that the white patch is completely hidden. A theory is that this behaviour is meant to startle would-be predators when it takes off, and the sudden white patch appears in contrast to the black butterfly. This gives it the crucial couple of seconds to make a hasty escape. Other Observations : Most of the time, only individuals are observed and the species is by no means abundant. This species is not often observed puddling, unlike its close cousins, the Blue Helen (Papilio prexaspes prexaspes) and the Red Helen (Papilio helenus helenus) in Malaysia. Early
Stages : The caterpillar
resembles the caterpillars of other Papilio species - appearing like bird
droppings in the early instars and turning green towards the later instars.
The pupa is supported by a silken girdle like many of the species in the genus. |
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