The Emperor Swallowtail is a nectar feeding species.
It can be found in rainforest and cloudforest habitats.
Eggs are laid singly on the leaves of the hostplant. Early instar larvae resemble bird droppings and later instar larvae are green and brown to blend in with the hostplant colors. The pupa are attached by a cremaster and a girdle to the plant.
There are multiple generations per year so this butterfly can be seen in flight year round.
This is the largest butterfly in flight in southern Africa.