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Giant blue swallowtail

Giant blue swallowtail

Papilio zalmoxis

A species of Swallowtails

Papilio zalmoxis has a wingspan reaching about 12–16 centimetres (4.7–6.3 in) and it is the second largest African swallowtail. The colour of the upperside of the wings is usually blue but can be greenish, contrasting with the light-gray color of the underside of the wings. Previously thought to produce the blue colour by Tyndall scattering, the scales of Papilio zalmoxis are not nanostructured for incoherent scattering, instead the blue is a fluorescent pigmentary colour. The uppersides of the forewings have narrow black stripes between black veins. The tip of the wings is black. Uppersides of the hindwings have a black marginal band, with a chain of blue spots. The body is bright yellow. Females are slightly smaller than males, and less brightly colored. The background colour of its wings is yellowish brown.

General Info About Giant blue swallowtail
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Attributes of Giant blue swallowtail
Colors
Black
Yellow
White
Blue
Habitat
tropical forest; woodland; open land; forest edge
Adult Food Sources
Flower nectar, lantana flowers, buddleja davidii, hibiscus flowers, ixora flowers
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia leaves, aristolochia acuminata, aristolochia bracteolata, aristolochia ringens, aristolochia tagala
Non-poisonous
Not reported
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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Distribution Area of Giant blue swallowtail
Papilio zalmoxis is an African butterfly, living in tropical areas (Liberia, Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zaire, Ivory Coast).
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Predators of Adult Giant blue swallowtail
Birds, spiders, reptiles
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Interesting Facts About Giant blue swallowtail
A unique trait of giant blue swallowtail is their ability to thermoregulate using rapid wing movements, which is essential for their survival in varying temperatures.
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Scientific Classification of Giant blue swallowtail
Tips for Finding Giant blue swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Giant blue swallowtail
Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Giant blue swallowtail
Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Giant blue swallowtail
For trapping or attracting adult giant blue swallowtail, sweet substances like ripe fruit or sugary solutions can be used as they are drawn to the nutrients and energy these provide.
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Habitat Preferences of Giant blue swallowtail Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of giant blue swallowtail are laid on the underside of host plant leaves, particularly those of the Rutaceae family. Caterpillars typically emerge on these host plants and are camouflaged on the stems or the leaf petioles. As they grow, they can be found feeding on the leaves. Pupae are often located on the trunk or branches of the host plants or in nearby vegetation, where they transform into adults secured with silk girdles. Adult giant blue swallowtail frequents open woodlands and forest edges, where it can be seen fluttering high in the canopy or visiting flowers in clearings for nectar.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Giant blue swallowtail
The ideal time for finding adult giant blue swallowtail may vary, but they are often most active on warm, sunny days, usually when temperatures are between 60-80°F (15-27°C). As for the immature stages, morning or late afternoon hours could be best when the temperature is mild, and the creatures are less active.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Giant blue swallowtail
Adult giant blue swallowtail are usually active in sunny weather, as they require the warmth to fly. Overcast days with little to no wind are preferred for finding caterpillars and pupae as they are less likely to be hidden or disturbed by elements.
Are Giant blue swallowtail harmful?
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Are Giant blue 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 Giant blue swallowtail
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
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, Accidental Contamination While Feeding On Nectar
Giant blue swallowtail is attracted to flowers primarily by visual cues such as color and shape. As giant blue swallowtail sips nectar, pollen adheres to its body and is subsequently transferred to other flowers, enabling pollination. While not intentionally collecting pollen, this inadvertent dusting facilitates the reproductive process of plants.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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