Swallowtail butterflies

About Swallowtail butterflies: 

• These are a group of butterflies in the family Papilionidae (order Lepidoptera).
• Appearance: They are named for the characteristic tail-like extensions of the hindwings, although many species are tailless. 
• Distribution: The swallowtail butterflies (Papilio) are found worldwide except in the Arctic.
• India hosts 77 of the 573 swallowtail butterfly species recorded across the world so far.
• Many swallowtails mimic the coloration and patterns of butterflies that are protected by a bad taste.
• Threats: Illegal cattle farming within the protected areas, agriculture and tea cultivation near the habitats, illegal tree felling, and pesticide use to be among the crucial factors contributing to the decline in the number of these Swallowtail butterflies.
• Ecological Importance of Butterflies: These are valuable indicators of the environment, whose health can influence their presence, abundance, and diversity. 

Q1: What are Indicator species?

These are organisms that can provide information about the environmental conditions of a particular ecosystem. These species are selected based on their sensitivity to specific environmental changes, such as pollution, habitat loss, or climate change.

Source: Swallowtail butterflies in key Assam habitat face a citrus worry

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