Blue Triangle
Scientific Name: Graphium choredon
Size: Wingspan 57-60mm
What does it look like?
Blue Triangle adults are virtually unmistakable with any other butterfly species in Australia. Wings with broad black margins, bright turquoise-blue central panels and smaller turquoise-blue spots and blotches. Female paler than male and with some red in the wings. Caterpillars grey to green with pale yellow spikes on tail and blue spikes on thorax, and with a yellow, forked, fleshy horn (osmeterium) that is usually hidden unless disturbed.
Where is it found?
Occurs east of the Great Dividing Range, from northern Cape York Peninsula Qld to south-eastern NSW.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Blue Triangle Butterfly is found in lowland rainforests, wet forests and suburban gardens, particularly in moist areas. Adults actively feed and drink during the day, seldom resting long in any one place. Caterpillar feeds on a variety of food plants, including the introduced Camphor Laurel Cinnamomum camphora.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies of Australia
