The Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio domodocus) is also commonly known as the Christmas Butterfly.
It is an attractive butterfly that is easily identifiable by its large size, black-and-yellow coloring and red and blue eyespots. Its lower wings have a "toothed" edge. Its wingspan is large 9-12 cm (3 1/2 to 4 3/4 inches). The females are larger than the males.
The butterfly is a species of Least Concern. Its lifespan is estimated to be a mere 18 days.
The caterpillars of these butterflies enjoy feasting on the leaves of any citrus plant. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as Madagascar.
Some people consider this butterfly to be a pest because their caterpillars can damage citrus trees.
Like many other butterflies, they enjoy feeding on flower nectar and rotting fruit.
The Afrikaans name for this butterfly is "lemoenskoenlapper" which means lemon butterfly.
Filmed by Tanja Nayak at the Butterfly Pavilion in Colorado, USA
Phots by Tanja Nayak
Narration by Tanja Nayak
Music from Storyblocks