Large striped swordtail

Introduction: Large Striped Swordtails (Graphium (A) antheus) are a woodland and bushveld habitat butterfly. Netting them as the feed on flowers or at urine-soaked mud when their guard is down is easier than when they are in flight. This is the largest of the tailed species in the country.

Distribution: Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).

Breeding/Larval food: Females lay spherical pale green eggs singly. Larvae are cream to green or yellow with dark hoops and blotches.

Colouration: Dark ground colour with paler blotches and characteristic stripes.

On the wing: Throughout the year.

Wingspan: 65 to 75mm.