Narrow Green-banded SwallowtailPapilio nireus

Inside

Outside

Chrysalid

Narrow Green-banded SwallowtailPapilio nireus

Order: LepidopteraFamily: Papilionidae

Wingspan: 3.25 – 4 inches (82 – 100 mm)Habitat: The Narrow Green-banded Swallowtail is most commonly found in forested habitats but they are known to venture out in to the surrounding areas in search of food. Host Plant: The larvae will feed on many of the genus found in the family Rutaceae such as Citrus, Fagara, Teclea, Calodendron and Clausena.

Life History: Males patrol their habitat for females. Aftermating the females search for host plants and lay their eggson them. Once the egg hatches, the larva feeds on the hostplant until they form their chrysalis.

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

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.

Etymology: 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.

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