Project Description
The Emerald Swallowtail (Papilio palinurus) is a butterfly found primarily in South East Asia and is one of the very few green butterflies around. It is also referred to as ”Emerald Peacock” or ”Green-banded Peacock Swallowtail”.
The butterfly is solitary and a fast flyer. It flies high above and forages on the trees (e.g., Creeper blooms on Bamboo). However, occasionally it is attracted to bright flowers of plants on the ground as well (e.g., dwarf red Ixora). It flutters in a hurry while sipping nectar.
It is distinguished due to its color which is shiny fluorescent blue or green depending on the angle of observation. The magnificent colors are due to scales in interior of its wings. Also there are spots in the bottom of its hind wings similar to eye spots. The exterior of wings is brownish-black with patterns similar to eye-spots. Perhaps the only protection for this species is self-mimicry through the eye-spots as regards to its morphology, considering its bright peacock colors and its fast flight.
