Spot swordtail

Graphium nomius belongs to Papilionidae. Spot Swordtail and Spotted Swordtail are English names; Pathysa nomius is a historical combination used in behavioural literature. [4]

The regional diagnostic account describes whitish wings with broad dark margins, contrasting spots and bands, red hindwing markings and long, narrow sword-like tails. [4]

Records include India and Sri Lanka. A 2025 paper documents adults photographed in Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, during August and September 2023. [4][1]

Sri Lankan research records Miliusa tomentosa as a larval food plant. The Western Ghats compilation also lists Miliusa velutina and Polyalthia longifolia, retaining the plant names used in those records. [1][2]

The Mumbai study records mud-puddling under the historical combination Pathysa nomius. [3]

Pathysa nomius appears in older and behavioural literature. It refers to the same species treated here as Graphium nomius. Swordtail describes the narrow hindwing extensions. [3][4]

Dorsal and ventral views show the dark bands, red hindwing details and complete tail outline.

A pale ground contrasts with dark bands, fine markings and restrained red accents. The narrow hindwing tails remain part of the complete silhouette.

Keep physical specimens enclosed and handle the frame rather than the insect. Avoid direct sunlight, persistent damp and concentrated heat; inspect periodically for loose fragments, moisture or pest damage. Do not brush or wet wing surfaces. Long tails are especially vulnerable to physical damage. [5]

Which larval plants are documented? Sri Lankan and Western Ghats records include Miliusa tomentosa, M. velutina and Polyalthia longifolia. [1][2]

What is Pathysa nomius? It is a historical generic combination used for the same spot swordtail. [3][4]

The Sri Lankan study and Western Ghats compilation document immature stages and host plants. The Mumbai paper records puddling, while the SHILAP paper supplies photographic occurrence data and a regional diagnostic account. [1][2][3][4]