Ulysses Swallowtail
Scientific Name: Papilio ulysses
Size: Wingspan 100-108 mm
What does it look like?
The upper surface of Ulysses Swallowtail wings are largely iridescent blue, brighter and more extensive in the male, and with contrasting black margins. The undersurface of the wings are brownish-grey to black with a series irregularly shaped pale blue and orange spots around outer margin of the hindwing. Each hindwing has a tail streamer. Caterpillars are yellow to green with pairs of soft white, green or black spikes along the dorsal surface.
Where is it found?
It occurs in suitable areas of eastern Qld and Torres Strait Islands.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Ulysses Swallowtail is associated mainly with wetter parts of upland rainforests but will also enter other areas, including suburban gardens, where larval food plants are growing. Diurnal, typically seen flying around shorter trees in open, sunlit areas of the rainforest. At rest, the darker, cryptic undersides help to conceal it.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies of Australia
