On the presence of Graphium doson Felder & Felder (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) in plains of Punjab with notes on its life history

Abstract

The Common Jay, Graphium doson Felder & Felder belonging to family Papilionidae has been reported first time from the plains of Punjab in Khanna and Bathinda. As per the earlier checklists from the state, the species is unreported from the plains in Punjab. This seems to be a recent range extension of the species from foothills to the plains. Different stages of life history of Graphium doson have been observed on Polyalthia longifolia var. pendula (False Ashoka Tree) belonging to family Annonaceae. The plant is largely grown as an avenue tree in the residential colonies and institutions. Observations on egg laying, larval feeding, growth and pupation of this butterfly have been made.