Emerald Swallowtail

Description:

Papilio palinurus has a wingspan reaching about 8–10 centimeters (3.1–3.9 in). The dorsal sides of the wings are covered by a powder of green scales and the background vary from dark greenish to black, with broad bright emerald green metallic bands. The undersides are black with orange, white and blue spots along the edges of hind wings, that show extended tails at the end. The flight of these butterflies is swift and quite fast. Caterpillars feed on plants of genus Euodia belonging to the Rutaceae, commonly known as the rue or citrus family.

Habitat:

Enclosed terrarium

Notes:

This beautiful butterfly is native to Southeast Asia. Green is definitely a unique color for a butterfly.