Green striped swallowtail
We are delighted that Dr Sabine Groner-Weber has received the sponsorship of the Green-striped Swallowtail (Papilio phorcas) as a farewell gift from Bonn.
The stripes on the black and brown wings of these very attractive members of the swallowtail family (Papilionidae) are apple green in colour. At least in the males - there are two forms in the females: One that resembles the male and one with yellowish stripes.
The largest specimens reach a wingspan of around 10 cm. This butterfly species is native to the West African rainforests from Guinea to Nigeria. In highland forests, they can be seen sunbathing with their wings spread out on cool mornings until they are warm enough to fly.