Common jay butterfly

Graphium doson belongs to Papilionidae and is commonly called the Common Jay. The Singapore account treats evemonides, while the Taiwanese fauna treats postianus. [2][1]

In Singapore’s evemonides account, black wings carry a band of separate pale-blue spots and a second bluish-green series near the margins. On the ventral hindwing, a dark red-centred costal bar is separated from the inner and outer black areas. The Taiwanese treatment illustrates both sexes and records occasional yellow markings in place of blue. [2][1]

The Taiwanese fauna records the species across the eastern Himalayas, India, Sri Lanka, Indochina, Sundaland, China and southern Japan, and from lowlands into mountain areas within Taiwan. The Singapore account documents observations on Pulau Ubin. [1][2]

The Taiwanese account reports several generations, with adults present outside winter. A 2010 IPB rearing study found no significant difference in development period or larval food consumption between the tested cempaka and soursop treatments in its Graphium doson and G. agamemnon comparison. [1][4]

The Taiwanese account lists Michelia alba and Magnolia grandiflora and includes a specimen reared from M. alba. The Singapore account records Cinnamomum and Annonaceae associations. The IPB experiment used Michelia champaca and Annona muricata leaves as larval foods. [1][2][4]

The Singapore account describes rapid flight in open, sunny sites and males taking liquid from damp roadside patches. [2]

The separated, red-centred costal bar on the ventral hindwing is the principal distinguishing feature identified in Singapore’s account of the common jay. [2]

Evemonides and postianus are regional subspecies names within Graphium doson. [1][2]

Singapore’s third-edition Red Data Book checklist classifies Graphium doson evemonides as Vulnerable nationally. Its previous national assessment was Critically Endangered. [3]

The dorsal view shows separate central and outer spot series; the underside shows the red-centred hindwing bar.

Separate pale spots retain the segmented central band against dark wings. Bold outer contours preserve the complete outline.

Keep a physical specimen in a closed enclosure, handling the frame rather than the insect. Protect scaled wings from direct sunlight, heat, moisture and pests. [5]

What is the distinctive underside marking? Singapore’s account identifies a red-centred costal bar on the hindwing, separated from the adjacent black areas. [2]

Which regional forms are represented in the sources? The Taiwanese fauna treats postianus, while the Singapore account treats evemonides. [1][2]

The Taiwanese fauna supplies specimen, pattern, distribution and host records. The Singapore species page describes regional appearance and behaviour, and the government checklist provides national status. The IPB study documents controlled rearing under specified food treatments. [1][2][4][3]