Fauna
Insect

Chinese Peacock Butterfly

Papilio bianor

Also known as Common Peacock, Chinese Peacock Swallowtail

Gliding through sunlit forest openings, Chinese peacock butterflies display shimmering emerald-green and velvety black wings adorned with brilliant magenta spots on their hindwings. Males frequent damp riverbanks and muddy patches to sip essential salts and minerals alongside nectar-rich flowers. Their spiny caterpillars feed on aromatic plants in the rue family, using a hidden scent gland behind the head to deter predators.

ColorfulPollinatorSwallowtail
Chinese Peacock Butterfly reference1 / 7
(c) Andrew Lai, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlower Nectar, Rutaceae Foliage, Mineral Water
Predators
  • Birds
  • Spiders
  • Praying Mantises
ThreatsDeforestation and agricultural pesticide application.
HabitatsForest edges, mountain valleys, parks, and agricultural fields.
Life span2–4 weeks (adult phase)
Classification
  1. FamilyPapilionidae
  2. SpeciesPapilio bianor
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Mud-Puddling Spots: Watch damp riverbanks or wet gravel paths where males gather to sip minerals.
  • Nectar Plants: Look for adult butterflies feeding on flowering shrubs near woodland margins in sunny mid-mornings.
Related species
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