The genital morphology and major taxonomic characteristics of butterfly Genus Papilio (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae): insights from Northwestern Himalayas, India

Animal genitalia, especially those of insects, are very precise taxonomic features as they are strongly conserved within species but typically diverge significantly after speciation. In many cases, the shape of the genitalia is the only accurate way to distinguish between different species. A study was carried out to examine the butterflies in the Shimla province from a faunistic, ecological, and zoogeographic perspective. Seven species of the Swallowtail butterfly genus Papilio; P. machaon, P. protenor, P. polyctor, P. demoleus, P. paris, P. clytia, P. polyeuctes belonging to Papilionidae family were recorded in the study and have been described based on external appearance, their remarkable wing patterns and the genital organ morphology. Meanwhile; major taxonomic differences which help distinguish them from each other were photographed and the related information is given accordingly.