MORPHOLOGY

External characteristics

Male
Forewing length (mm): 39-53. Wingspan (mm): 68-78.
Forewings: Upperside black, green or yellowish spots as follows: complete series of submarginal spots (double spot in space 1b), series of median spots from hind margin to near apex, lower spots largest, but all separate, seven spots in cell and one at end cell, basal-most one continued across base of space 1b to hind margin; underside similar, but ground color rather dark brown, often with a violet sheen Hindwings Crenulate, short tail at end of vein 4; upperside black with green or yellowish submarginal and median spots, all separate, in addition long stripe in cell and, broken at cubital vein, continued in space 1b, two white spots at costa; underside ground color as underside forewing, as upperside but submarginal spots larger and often indistinct red markings in spaces 1b and 7 and in cell.

Female
Similar to male, may be slightly larger, ground colour dark brown rather than black.

Subspecies and variation

Varies in color, extension of markings and length of tail; 21 subspecies are recognized over its huge distribution area (India to Solomon Islands and Australia), 16 of which are found in the Malaysian area.

Similar species

The only species that comes rather close is the smaller G. arycles, which has no tail on the hindwing, and the underside is less variegated and without a violet flush.

_{source: Jan Moonen, peronal communication 2020}