Large Striped Swordtail Graphium antheus
(c) Ryan van Huyssteen, some rights reserved (CC BY)
OrderButterflies and Moths (Lepidoptera)
FamilySwallowtails and Parnassians (Papilionidae)
GenusSwordtails, Jays, Bluebottles and allies (Graphium)
This African butterfly is instantly recognizable thanks to its dramatically elongated hind wings that resemble swords—a feature that makes it unmistakable in flight. As a swallowtail (family Papilionidae), it belongs to one of the most impressive and showy butterfly families on Earth, known for their graceful aerial displays. Found across tropical and sub-Saharan Africa, these insects glide through forests and savannas with a distinctive elegance that makes spotting one a real treat for any nature enthusiast.
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