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Dainty swallowtail

Papilio anactus

A species of Swallowtails, Also known as Small dingy swallowtail

For protection against predators, this non-poisonous butterfly mimics the poisonous male Cressida cressida, another swallowtail butterfly that obtains its toxic properties through its host plant, the Dutchman's pipe.

General Info About Dainty swallowtail
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Attributes of Dainty swallowtail
Habitat
Papilio anactus is endemic to Australia. It was originally only present in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland, but due to the growing of citrus, a larval food plant of this species, in orchards, the species spread to South Australia in the late 1920s. Papilio anactus is not present on Kangaroo Island or elsewhere in Australia, as there are currently too few citrus trees.
It also occurs on New Caledonia. There, it may be an introduced species or a vagrant.
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar from lantana, buddleia, ageratum, eucalyptus, hibiscus
Larva Food Source
Citrus leaves, diospyros leaves, murraya leaves, evodia leaves, ruta leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Dainty 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
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Life Cycle of Dainty swallowtail
Egg The egg stage involves the initial development of dainty swallowtail. The eggs are often laid on plants and are tiny, spherical, and may vary in color. They serve as a protective encapsulation for the developing embryo inside.
Larva During the larval stage, dainty swallowtail appears as a caterpillar. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and molting, where dainty swallowtail sheds its skin several times. The caterpillar is typically cylindrical, with a voracious appetite for host plants.
Pupal At the pupal stage, dainty swallowtail enters a quiescent phase within a cocoon or chrysalis. It undergoes a remarkable transformation where tissues are broken down and reorganized. The pupa might exhibit cryptic coloration for camouflage.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult dainty swallowtail's development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Predators of Dainty swallowtail Larvae
Birds, ants, wasps, spiders, mantises
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Interesting Facts About Dainty swallowtail
Dainty swallowtail can taste with its feet, a unique adaptation that aids in identifying nutritious food sources.
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Scientific Classification of Dainty swallowtail
Tips for Finding Dainty swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Dainty swallowtail
Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Dainty swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Freshwater Habitats, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Mangroves and Coastal Wetlands
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When is the Best Time to Observe Dainty swallowtail
The best time to find adult dainty swallowtail is during daylight hours, particularly on sunny days when they are most active. For caterpillars, it may be any time of the day as long as the host plants are present.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Dainty swallowtail
Warm and dry weather conditions are most suitable for locating adult dainty swallowtail, as they are cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Caterpillars can be found under more varied conditions, but excessive rain can make them harder to spot.
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How and Where Can You Find Dainty swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Dainty swallowtail eggs are usually laid on the underside of leaves of the host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants for small, round or oval eggs.
Larva Dainty swallowtail caterpillars are herbivorous and can be located on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and inspect the plant for camouflaged caterpillars.
Pupal Dainty swallowtail pupae can be found attached to plants or nearby structures. To locate them, search for chrysalides that may be hidden among foliage or on the underside of branches of the host or nearby plants.
Adult Adult dainty swallowtail can be seen flying in areas where there are flowers for nectar or open sunny spots for basking. They are often found near their host plants as well. To find adult dainty swallowtail, visit gardens or fields with plenty of flowers during sunny weather.
Are Dainty swallowtail harmful?
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Are Dainty swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Harmful Effects of Dainty swallowtail
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Hurt Plant

Dainty swallowtail's larvae feed voraciously on plant leaves without favoritism, which can lead to defoliation ranging from mild to severe, hindering the plant's ability to photosynthesize and impacting overall health.

More Effects of Dainty swallowtail

Beneficial Effects of Dainty swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Dainty swallowtail is an exquisite pollinator, fluttering from bloom to bloom. With a penchant for vividly colored flowers, it unassumingly collects pollen on its body while indulging in the nectar, inadvertently transferring pollen as it travels, aiding in the reproductive cycle of plants.
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