Graphium megarus

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Spotted zebra (Graphium megarus)

Graphium megarus, commonly known as the spotted zebra, is a swallowtail butterfly found in Southeast Asia. It is widespread and not considered threatened, though the nominate subspecies is protected by law in India.

Classification and names
- Scientific name: Graphium megarus
- Synonyms: Pathysa megarus, Papilio megarus, Paranticopsis megarus
- Family: Papilionidae
- Genus: Graphium
- Species: G. megarus

Description
- Male: Upper side is black with many white markings, including streaks and spots on the forewings and hindwings. The underside is similar but with slightly broader markings.
- Female: Similar to the male, but the overall ground color is a duller black (more fuliginous). The markings are alike in pattern, with the forewing markings a little broader and the hindwing markings a little narrower.

Distribution and status
- Found in Southeast Asia.
- Common and not presently threatened.
- The nominate subspecies is protected by law in India.

Notes
- Descriptions and distinctions from related species have been discussed by experts, such as Karl Jordan, in classical butterfly works.