Our BLOG update features the Butterfly of the Month, the Common Bluebottle (Graphium sarpedon luctatius)

This month’s Butterfly of the Month features the fast-flying Common Bluebottle.  This common species, usually found in the forested areas, but also seen in urban parks and gardens, has a strong erratic flight and tends to be always in a hurry.  However, when attracted by rotting carrion and mineral-tainted forest paths, will stop and ‘puddle’ – an action where it feeds on the dissolved salts in the damp earth.

It can often be confused, especially when in flight, with the almost similar looking Blue Jay (Graphium evemon eventus). 

Horace Tan shares the early stages of the Commander after a few failed attempts.  Kudos to Horace for his persistence and patience in recording a difficult life history of this Nymphalid.  Of special interest in this documentation is the photographic record of the transformation from caterpillar to pupa.  A most commendable feat of patience by Horace and the sequence of the pupation tells it all! 

Read all about the Early Stages of the Commander at the Butterflies of Singapore BLOG.