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Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly

Papilio aegeus

Description:

Also known as Large Citrus Butterfly or Orchard Butterfly. A large butterfly with a loping flight. This female shows the large white wing patches, the brilliant red, blue and black markings that characterise the species. Feeds on nectar the wings vibrating as they feed. Eggs are usually laid on the underside of citrus leaves mostly where caterpillars hatch, grow and pupate.

Habitat:

Found in a variety of regions throughout Australia especially in gardens and orchards. This one in garden setting around citrus trees and bougainvillea plants (photographed on purple bougainvillea).

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2 Comments

kdpicturemaker
kdpicturemaker 9 years ago

Thank you MartinL. Nice to hear a comment from you after so long! This butterfly is quite a spectacular sight, slow loping wing beats, a magnificent colour scheme. I hope you get to see some this coming spring and summer.

MartinL
MartinL 9 years ago

A nice capture, kd.
This is the largest species of butterfly for most of its range but it rarely visits Melbourne.
I am not sure about global warming but we do have some supporters down here in the southern latitudes.

kdpicturemaker
Spotted by
kdpicturemaker

New South Wales, Australia

Spotted on Feb 12, 2014
Submitted on May 20, 2014

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