Taiwan Butterflies
Date of Issue: 26 June 2009
Country: Taiwan
Denominations:NT$5.00, NT$5.00, NT$12.00, NT$12.00
1. Papilio xuthus Linnaeus (NT$5.00): It has dark brown wings, although the coloration in females is somewhat lighter. There is a pale yellow crescent (lunule) behind the forewings and hindwings, and there are some light yellow markings near the base of the hindwings. The males and females are similar in appearance except for some obvious orange markings on either side of the bluish gray band on the underside of females’ hindwings. In addition, there is a black spot on the front edge of males’ hindwings, which is absent in females.
2. Troides aeacus formosanus Rothschild (NT$5.00): The male has black wings, and the bright yellow markings on the upperside and underside of its hindwings are larger than those of the female. There is a row of black saw-tooth markings on the outer margin of its hindwings and some red markings on its thorax. Females are larger than males, with broader forewings and a complicated yellow and black pattern on their hindwings. This butterfly is an endemic subspecies to Taiwan. It is listed as a rare and valuable protected species.
3. Graphium agamemnon (Linnaeus) (NT$12.00): Females and males have identical wing patterns. The male has black wings with four vertical rows of yellowish green spots on each wing. There is a fuzzy gray brand in the fold at the inner edge of the hindwings. Females lack the brand and are larger than males.
4. Papilio paris nakaharai Shirôzu (NT$12.00): It has black wings. There is a broad, metallic greenish blue marking on its hindwings, which shimmers during flight. It is one of the most beautiful butterflies in Taiwan. There is a row of red crescents on the outer edge of the underside of its hindwings. Females and males are similar in appearance, except that in males the blue marking on the upperside of the hindwing extends narrowly below and above.
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