Green-Banded Swallowtail | Papilio phorcas PUPAE

Papilio phorcas, commonly known as the Green-banded Swallowtail, is a stunning butterfly found primarily in sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Papilionidae and is admired for its vibrant coloration and graceful flight. Adult Green-banded Swallowtails are medium to large in size, with a wingspan ranging from 70 to 90 millimeters. The upper side of the wings is black with bright green or bluish-green bands that form striking patterns. The hindwings feature elegant tails, a characteristic of many swallowtails. The underside is brown with subtle markings, providing camouflage when the butterfly is at rest.

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including tropical forests, savannas, and woodlands, often near water sources. Its range extends across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from West Africa to South Africa and eastward to Uganda and Kenya - where our stock is bred on butterfly farms. Papilio phorcas is a strong and agile flier, frequently seen basking in sunny clearings or feeding on nectar from flowers. It also engages in puddling, where males extract salts and minerals from moist soil or mud.

The butterfly lays its eggs on plants in the Rutaceae family, such as Citrus and Clausena species. The larvae are green with distinctive markings, helping them blend into their host plants. After pupation, the chrysalis is typically green in color to match its surroundings on host plants, an adaptive feature for avoiding predators. It is closely related to Papilio dardanus and can even hybridise with this species.

Difficulty - Very easy (1/10)

Host plants - Citrus; Choisya; Zanthoxylum; various other related plants.

Conditions - Room temperature is sufficient however pupae emerge sooner with warmth & butterflies enjoy sunshine.

Lifecycle - Continually brooded; pupae capable of diapause.