Chequered Swallowtail

The butterfly is brown/black with cream lace patterned markings and large orange spots on the hind wings.

The butterfly are usually seen rapidly flying in one direction at a constant height, they only land occasionally. Catching one is a real thrill.

Scientific Name:

Papilio demoleus

Feeds On

Emu Foot (Cullen tenax)

Usual Location

All over Australia, even inland

Best Viewing

Throughout the year in the north, during warmer months in the south

Wing Span

10 cm

Caterpillar

At first, the caterpillar are black and as they grow they become shiny brown with orange lateral patches. At maturity, the caterpillar become rich velvety green with darker markings.

Chrysalis

The pupa is greenish-brown and attached to a stem of the host plant by cremaster and girdle. It has two projections on the head and one on the thorax. Its length is about 3cms.