Teinopalpus imperialis

species of insect

The Kaiser-i-Hind (Teinopalpus imperialis), is a rare swallowtail butterfly found in Nepal and North Indiaand East to North Vietnam.[1]

Teinopalpus imperialis male
Teinopalpus imperialis female

The common name means "Emperor of India". The Kaiser-i-Hind is unmistakable and cannot be confused with any other butterfly. A predominantly green swallowtail, the male has a bright chrome-yellow patch on each hind wing.

The Kaiser-i-Hind is protected by the Law of India and Nepalese law. Protection enforcement in these countries is not effective, so it is hunted, and collectors pay high prices.[2]

References change

  1. Gimenez Dixon, M. 1996. Teinopalpus imperialis. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. [www.iucnredlist.org
  2. New T.R. & Collins N. Mark 1991. Swallowtail butterflies: an action plan for their conservation. IUCN/SSC Species Action Plans Series. Switzerland: IUCN SSC Lepidoptera Specialist Group. p. 36. ISBN 978-2-8317-0061-8