,Noongar Names: Bindi Bindi, Barn Barn (Butterfly)
Scientific Name: Papilio demoleus
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Threats: Habitat loss
Will they visit?: Chequered Swallowtails frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Common and widespread throughout the South West and Perth region
Chequed Swollowtail – (CC)Ethan Beaver. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Chequed Swollowtail – (CC)Steven Dew. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Chequed Swollowtail – (CC) Vik Dunis. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Australia License (Atlas of Living Australia)
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Sunny positions around the garden
Diet: Adults feed on nectar, caterpillars feed on foliage
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Pollinator
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
Chequered Swallowtails are fast flyers and scare easily. Plant shrubs and trees in the garden as they prefer to remain high above the ground, resting atop of tall shrubs and trees. The caterpillars use camouflage as protection from predators.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Chequered Swallowtails will feed on the nectar on many species of plants (including non-natives). The caterpillars are much more specialised and primarily feed on the foliage of native peas. Plant an array of native peas to provide food and breeding habitat for this butterfly.
Avoid commercial non-native seeds advertised for butterflies. These plants are usually unsuitable for our native butterflies to breed on – and have the potential to become serious weeds.
Providing sources of water
Not required.
ReWild Benefits
Chequered Swallowtails are pollinators and help connect biodiversity across the landscape. If you see them around your garden, you can record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
