The butterfly Papilio palinurus, often known as the emerald swallowtail, emerald peacock, or green-banded peacock, belongs to the Papilio genus and family of Papilionidae.
Amazing Facts
The distinctive emerald green band that spans each of this species’ dark greenish-black wings gives it its name.
Appearance
The wingspan of the Papilio palinurus is approximately 8 to 10 centimeters (3.1–3.9 in). A powder of green scales covers the dorsal sides of the wings, and the backdrop varies in color from dark green to black with broad, shiny metallic bands of emerald green. The undersides of the hindwings are black with orange, white, and blue markings along the borders of the expanded tails.
Diet
This species’ caterpillar consumes food plants from the Rutaceae family, which includes citrus and rue.
Predators
Birds and wasps are predators.
Habitat
This species is mostly found in Southeast Asia, including Burma, Borneo, Indonesia (Simeulue, Island of Nias), and the Philippines. Asiatic primary forests are home to Papilio palinurus.
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