Nireus Swallowtail

Nireus Swallowtail

We are delighted that Angelina Jorg has taken over the sponsorship of the Nireus Swallowtail (Papilio nireus).

This species from the swallowtail family (Papilionidae) is quite common in the rainforests and other habitats of sub-Saharan Africa, but is also a particularly pretty butterfly species.

With the narrow, continuous blue-green central band and a short tail appendage on the hind wing, the sexes are very similar. However, with slightly wider forewings and a wingspan of up to 11 cm, the females of this species, also known as the "Green-banded Swallowtail", are somewhat larger than the males.