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Scientific Name : Papilio aegeus Common Name : Orchard swallowtail Description : The largest butterfly recorded in the park, with a wingspan of 125mm. Upperwings are predominantly black. The male has a large creamy-yellow patch on the hind wing and a line of the same colour across the tip of each forewing. The female has forewings grey on theouter half and has hindwings with a large white patch,and a number of bright red crescents around the edge. Underwings of both sexes are similar to upperwings, except that the male also shows numerous red crescents on the hind wings. Caterpillars feed on a number of native plants, but also on many species of Citrus, so that they are commonly associated with citrus orchards. Habitat : Often associated with citrus orchards, especially along the Murray. Distribution : North Queensland to South Australia, but rare in Southern Victoria. Once recorded in the park, during a Friends Special General Meeting at the propagation centre on 17th April 1994. Flying Season : December January February Family : Papilionidae

Available Images View At 50% | View At 100% Male orchard swallowtail butterfly.