Polyura athamas has black upperwings with pale yellow spots, sometimes with a greenish tinge. The underside of the wings is light green with a wide margin of light brown. Has two tails on the hind wings.
Larva: Polyura athamas larvae are dark green in color with 3 prominent white diagonal stripes. Elongated shape with a large and wide head. On its head there are two pairs of long horns.
Pupa: Polyura athamas pupae are oval cylindrical, dorsum and chest convex, head wide, green with white stripes.