Papilio aegeus
Description
Orchard Swallowtails are a large butterfly with a wingspan to 12 centimetres. They are common in Brisbane, particularly in gardens with citrus trees which their caterpillars feed on. Males are black with white crescents and a red spot on each wing. The female is browner with a white patch on the forewing. Females lay pale yellow to green eggs 1.4mm in diamete on the underside of food plants.
Adaptations
- Young caterpillars look like fresh bird droppings in order to deter predators.
- Swallowtail caterpillars have an osmeterium (defensive mechanism that looks like spikes or horns) which extend when the larva feels threatened
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: larvae feed on the leaves of citrus trees; adults feed on nectar from flowers
- What eats me: spiders, insectivorous birds (e.g. butcher bird, magpie)
Interesting facts
Males can be territorial and will chase anything black and white that enters their territory - even Magpies!
Acknowledgements: Coffs Harbour Butterfly House, Brisbane Insects, Australian Museum