Elegant symmetry. On pairing, the male clasps the female's abdomen and hangs on - often for 12 hours or more. The pairing couple can even fly with the male trailing behind.

Name: Emperor Swallowtail

Latin: Papilio ophidicephalus

Family: Papilionidae

Origin: S. & E. Africa

Food plant: Citrus Family

Emperor swallowtail thumbnail
close up emperor swallowtail