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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly

Orchard swallowtail butterfly Papilio aegeus
Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly by Wild-Jungleman

The Papilio aegeus is commonly known as the Orchard Swallowtail Butterfly. It is the largest butterfly commonly found in Brisbane where there are many citrus trees, on which the larvae feed.

Both male and female have black forewings with a white stripe, though there is more white overall on the female forewing. The hindwing is again black, and there is a white swath through the middle. Here the markings differ in that the female has chains of red to orange and blue spots toward the edge.

Despite being a swallowtail, which group derives its name from the distinctive tails on the hindwing, this character is entirely absent. The markings on the underside are similar to those on top. The body is black. The wings span about 105 millimeters, making it rather large overall and the largest butterfly commonly seen in at least part of its range.

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