Papilio nireus

Narrow Green-Banded Swallowtail

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Papilionidae”
Sub Family: “Papilioninae”
Estimated Lifespan 11 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 0
Total Number of Pupae Received: 3015
First Flown On: 10/14/02
Last Flown On: 12/01/23

Species Range:

  • “Africa”

Host plants:

  • The larvae will feed on many of the genus found in the family Rutaceae such as Citrus
  • Fagara
  • Teclea
  • Calodendron and Clausena.

Food Source

Adults are known to feed on a variety of flowers and the males participate in puddling.

Etymology Of Name

The genus Papilio is Latin for butterfly. In Greek mythology Nireus fought in the Trojan War and was considered the most handsome hero at Troy.

Habitat

The Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail is most commonly found in forested habitats but they are known to venture out into the surrounding areas in search of food.

Life history

Males patrol their habitat for females. After mating the females search for host plants and lay their eggs on them. Once the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the host plant until they form their chrysalis.

Flights

There are multiple generations each year so it is possible to find adults throughout most of the year.

Fun Facts

The inside of the Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail is very similar in both the males and females. If you look at the underside, however, the males are missing small white spots on their forewing while the females are missing marginal white hindwing spots.