[Objectives]  The body scent of butterflies acts as an information carrier facilitating both conspecific recognition and mate recognition. We analyzed volatile compounds from adult male and female Papilio xuthus during different life stages, and used the EAG responses of unmated male and female butterflies to detect volatile compounds. The reactions and behavioral responses of insects to volatile compounds were also compared. [Methods]  Volatiles from P. xuthus were collected by the headspace SPME method and identified using GC-MS. Antennal responses to volatile compounds was measured with an electroantennogram (EAG). [Results]  In total, 14 kinds of volatile compounds were detected during adult eclosion, including alcohols and esters. Among these, esters and terpenes persisted after eclosion. Two kinds of volatile compounds, 2-ethyl-1- hexanol and 2-ethylhexyl acetate, were emitted by both males and females during mating. Only one volatile compound (α-farnesene) was unique to males and was only detected during mating. None of the unique volatile compounds identified was found in females. Levels of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, and farnesene in both sexes of P. xuthus were significantly different before, and after, mating. Levels of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol and farnesene increased before, and during, mating, whereas the level of 2-ethylhexyl acetate decreased, suggesting that large quantities of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, and farnesene are be released by females during mating. The EAG reactions of unmated butterflies to 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, and farnesene were significantly stronger than those of the control group. [Conclusion]  2-ethyl-1-hexanol and 2-ethylhexyl acetate probably play a role in identifying conspecifics of the same sex in P. xuthus, whereas the unique volatile compound α-farnesene may play a role in identifying the opposite sex.