The Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly is a rare species found in Nepal, northern India, and the high mountainous regions of Vietnam. Due to its habitat in treacherous high-altitude areas, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly is rarely encountered, even by entomologists who seldom have the opportunity to admire their exquisite beauty.
Spanning from the eastern Himalayas in Nepal and northern India to the high mountains of Vietnam, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly (Teinopalpus imperialis) is one of the most beautiful and rare butterfly species in the world.
This species has a wingspan of 9 to 12 cm when fully grown. Its body and wings are green, featuring brown-yellow patches and black stripes at the wing tips. The patterns vary between individuals.
Ecologically, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly lays its eggs on the upper side of Magnolia campbellii leaves (Magnolia family). After hatching, the larvae move to younger leaves to feed.
In Vietnam, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly has been recorded in Lao Cai (Hoang Lien National Park), Cao Bang (Phia Oac – Phia Den National Park), Vinh Phuc (Tam Dao National Park), and Kon Tum (Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve)…
As one of the butterfly species living at the highest altitudes in Southeast Asia, this butterfly has been observed on the “roof of Indochina,” Mount Fansipan, or in mountain ranges at elevations above 3,000 meters in Hoang Lien National Park.
Several other individuals have been found on Ngoc Linh Peak, Chu Yang Sin Peak, and other high mountains in the Central Highlands.
Due to living in treacherous high-altitude areas, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly is very rare, and even entomologists seldom have the chance to admire their regal beauty.
In the international butterfly specimen market, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly is one of the most expensive butterfly species in the world. They are commonly sold for prices ranging from 100 to 500 USD, and can sometimes reach thousands of USD.
Currently, information about the abundance of this butterfly species in Vietnam is still lacking. Their numbers are impacted by deforestation and the collection and trade of specimens.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Toothless Swordtail Swallowtail Butterfly is a species at risk of extinction. Experts recommend protecting their habitat in the high mountains and strictly prohibiting collection and trade activities.
