Papilio ulysses

Papilio ulysses

(Ulysses Swallowtail, Mountain Blue Butterfly)

FAMILY

Papilionidae

Species

Papilio ulysses

Common name(s)

Ulysses Swallowtail, Mountain Blue Butterfly

Main colour(s)

Black and blue

Distinctive feature

Wingspan 106/108 mm; prominent black tail

Campus

Cairns, Townsville

Description

Melicope elleryana (Euodia) is the main host plant for this butterfly although the larvae will feed on other Rutaceae. Mature larvae green with a series of spots, blue, green and white; head pale green. Adults are black with large areas of iridescent blue and a prominent black tail; lower surface in brown shades with some bluish subterminal spots on hind wing.

Additional images:

Image of Ulysses caterpillarCrysallis image