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Macleay's swallowtail

Graphium macleayanus

A species of Swordtails

The caterpillar grows to a length of 4 cm. The pupa is green with thin yellow lines. The adult female macleay's swallowtail has a wingspan of 6 cm, whilst the adult male has a wingspan of 5 cm. The upperside of the wing is green with white markings and black edges. The lower surface is a deeper green with black, brown and white markings. The lower wings are strongly tailed.

General Info About Macleay's swallowtail
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Attributes of Macleay's swallowtail
Habitat
The Macleay's swallowtail is one of the most widely distributed swallowtail butterflies in Australia. It is found in eastern Australia including the ACT, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania. It is the only swallowtail found in Tasmania. The species has also been found on Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island, but not since 1893. The habitat of the species includes urban areas, forests, woodlands and heath.
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from lantana species, nectar from buddleja species, nectar from eucalyptus species, nectar from hibiscus species, sap from wounded trees
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia praevenosa, aristolochia pubescens, pararistolochia deltantha, pararistolochia spirostylis, aristolochia tagala
Non-poisonous
The Macleay's swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
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Life Cycle of Macleay's swallowtail
Egg The egg of macleay's swallowtail is laid on a host plant and is tiny and often oval. This stage involves minimal external change, but internally, the embryo is forming the basic structure for the larval stage.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva of macleay's swallowtail resembles a caterpillar with a soft body segmented into rings. It varies in color and grows significantly, requiring frequent molting and consuming large amounts of foliage from the host plant.
Pupal After reaching a sufficient size, the macleay's swallowtail enters the pupal stage where metamorphosis occurs. Enclosed in a chrysalis, it undergoes drastic transformation in shape, color, and internal structure without feeding or moving.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult macleay's swallowtail’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult becomes mobile, focusing on reproduction and nectar feeding.
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Predators of Macleay's swallowtail Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, reptiles, insects
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Predators of Adult Macleay's swallowtail
Birds, spiders, mantises, dragonflies, small mammals
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Scientific Classification of Macleay's swallowtail
Tips for Finding Macleay's swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Macleay's swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands
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Adult Habitat of Macleay's swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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How Can You Attract Macleay's swallowtail
As an adult, macleay's swallowtail feeds on the nectar of flowers, so setting up nectar-rich flowers or artificial feeders can attract them.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Macleay's swallowtail
Ideal weather conditions for locating macleay's swallowtail are warm, sunny days with little to no wind, as butterflies are less active in rainy or windy conditions.
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How and Where Can You Find Macleay's swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Macleay's swallowtail eggs are usually laid on the underside of host plant leaves. To find them, examine the foliage of specific host plants in the area where macleay's swallowtail are known to occur. Look for small, spherical or oval-shaped objects attached to the leaves.
Larva Macleay's swallowtail caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Inspect the leaves and stems for signs of feeding, such as chewed edges or frass (caterpillar droppings), to locate macleay's swallowtail caterpillars.
Pupal The macleay's swallowtail chrysalis is often attached to the host plant or nearby structures. Search for it by gently examining the areas around the host plants, especially looking under leaves and on stems where it may be camouflaged.
Adult Macleay's swallowtail adults are most readily found by visiting flowering plants during their active times of the day. They are attracted to bright flowers with ample nectar and can also be spotted basking in the sun on leaves or the ground.
Are Macleay's swallowtail harmful?
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Are Macleay's swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Macleay's swallowtail
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color, Shape
Macleay's swallowtail is attracted to flowers primarily by their vivid colors and distinct shapes. While feeding on the flower's nectar, it inadvertently transfers pollen from one flower to another, not only nourishing itself but also facilitating the reproductive cycle of plants it visits.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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