Mocker Swallowtail

Description:

Papilio dardanus (the African Swallowtail, Mocker Swallowtail or Flying Handkerchief), is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae (the Swallowtails). The species is broadly distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including Madagascar.

Habitat:

Seen flying quite fast through the canopy stopping occasionally on bushes at the edges of a clearing.

Notes:

The female of the species is a master of protective disguise. The female forms are remarkably diverse and mimic other butterflies, so protecting themselves against predators. Many of the at least 14 female forms mimic inedible butterflies. http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/speci... This is primarily a rainforest and cloudforest species, but also commonly occurs away from these habitats, e.g. in Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania and in the highlands of Ethiopia. It can also be seen in botanical gardens and city parks. The butterfly can be found at altitudes up to at least 1800m.