The Common Jay is a fast-flying species and is more often distinguishable only when it stops to rest, feed or puddle. The wings are black above with a pale bluish macular band. Both wings have a series of bluish-green submarginal spots. The hindwing on the underside has a dark red-centred costal bar which is separated from the inner and distal black areas. This is the primary distinguishing characteristic of the species from the other look-alike Graphiums.

This species has only been discovered on the offshore island of Pulau Ubin recently (2005) and has repeatedly been observed on many occasions. It was not in the original checklist for Singapore, and is believed to have migrated from nearby Johor in Malaysia, and colonised the island of Pulau Ubin. There has so far been only one confirmed sighting of this species on mainland Singapore. Males of the species have often been seen puddling - a favourite activity - along damp footpatths.

Thus far, only individuals are observed and the species is by no means abundant as is the case in Malaysia.

The caterpillar is black or smoky brown until the final instar where it becomes dull green to rusty brown.

• Inayoshi, Yutaka : "Checklist of Butterflies in IndoChina", Specimen comparisons of Graphium doson evemonides
• Hong Kong Lepidopterists' Society - Common Jay (Graphium doson)