Dainty Swallowtail - Papilio anactus

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Dainty Swallowtail - Papilio anactus

[Public Domain] 28 Mar 2004 Dylan O'Donnell
CATEGORY : Species
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A fairly large sized butterfly, and modest sized swallowtail, the Dainty Swallowtail is common and widespread across Australia, possibly to its taste for introduced citrus monocultures, which is not uncommon for a few species of native butterfly. The Dainty Swallowtail caterpillar is a highly advanced species that feeds on both native plants such as Wild Orange and Australian Willow but commercial citrus crops. When disturbed, the spikey caterpillar excretes a smell not unlike decaying citrus fruit which it actually aims towards the agressor in an attempt to dissuade would-be predators from eating it.

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