Graphium agamemnon - Tailed Jay

Time to put some paps up. I am very lucky in that I have managed to collect images of 9 species, of which this is my favourite. Not because it is rare, but it was the first butterfly, when I started this bugging game, to make me go ‘WOW!’

There are enough that if I make an effort, I can find one any day, but getting a photograph is a different matter. They always seem to be just out of reach, and they are very cautious. Once you spook one, you will not get a second chance today so you might as well move on.

Location is Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Alongside a stream and paddy fields.

comments (9)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

What a stunner! I love how the gradient green mixes with the complicated white pattern. Posted 9 years ago
1. Vodkaman
  
  Lion
  
  This one is right up there with the Rajah Brookes. Stunning creature.
  
  Dave Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Linking for reference:
    
    Posted 9 years ago, modified 9 years ago
  2. 1. Vodkaman
      
      Lion
      
      That specimen image does not epitomize the Rajah, but yes, that is the one.
      
      Dave Posted 9 years ago

Martin Lagerwey

Lion

I see them in Queensland but never sitting still long enough for a snapshot. Posted 9 years ago
1. Vodkaman
  
  Lion
  
  The best chance is early in the morning, when the sun's rays start hitting the trees. They will want to find a sun facing leaf to spread out on. At this time they will be very sluggish.
  
  Dave Posted 9 years ago
2. 1. Martin Lagerwey
    
    Lion
    
    Well, that's a plan. Ours are yellow where yours is white. It is indeed spectacular. Posted 9 years ago

Mark Ridgway

Lion

Great looking specimen. Posted 9 years ago
1. Vodkaman
  
  Lion
  
  It is very difficult to find a complete specimen, as they fly around the tree canopy and bushes. The wings are usually damaged at the tails. In fact, I now realize, that is probably the function of the tails, to take the hit somehow.
  
  Dave Posted 9 years ago

The Tailed Jay

The Tailed Jay is a predominantly green and black tropical butterfly that belongs to the swallowtail family. It is a common, nonthreatened species native to India, Sri Lanka through Southeast Asia and Australia. Several geographic races are recognized.

Info 86 0

Similar species: Moths And Butterflies

Species identified by Vodkaman