Nireus Swallowtail

Nireus Swallowtail

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

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

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.