Orchard Swallowtail
Common NameOrchard Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio aegeus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)120
Primary Colorsblack, white, red, orange
HabitatRainforests, open woodlands, suburban gardens, orchards
Geographic RangeEastern Australia, New Guinea, and surrounding islands
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Melia azedarach
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, spring to autumn in cooler areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae mimic bird droppings when young, later becoming green with false eye spots. Pupae are camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the prominent white markings on black wings, and the characteristic red-orange spots on the hindwings. Males have more extensive white on the forewings than females.
Description
A large, predominantly black butterfly with broad white bands across the forewings and hindwings, and distinctive red-orange lunules on the hindwings.
