Will they visit?: Orchard Swallowtails frequently visit home gardens
Natural Distribution: Widespread, but uncommon, throughout the South West and Perth region
Papilio (Princeps) aegeus – Graham Winterflood (CC BY-SA 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Papilio (Princeps) aegeus – Leo (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Papilio (Princeps) aegeus – Reiner Richter (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Papilio (Princeps) aegeus – Stephen Dummett (CC BY-NC 4.0). Atlas of Living Australia
Habitat at a Glance
See Habitat Guide for more detail
Shelter: Shelter on grasses, shrubs, and trees
Diet: Adults feed on nectar, caterpillars feed on foliage
Water: Not required
ReWild Benefit: Potential Pollinator
Habitat Guide - Shelter
Natural Shelter
The Orchid Swallowtail are very large butterflies (wingspan up to 14cm wide!) and native to eastern Australia. Adults will shelter on branches of large trees and shrubs. The caterpillars live on citrus plants, but other native plants seem to be suitable.
Novel Shelter
Not required.
Habitat Guide - Food and Water
Providing natural sources of food
Orchid Swallowtails feed on a wide array of native plants, but their caterpillars have a specific diet. They primarily feed on citrus species including oranges, mandarins, lemons, and limes. Other native plants seem be suitable for their caterpillars, but are yet to be fully determined.
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
Orchard Swallowtails are native to eastern Australia and maybe unfamiliar to Perth residents. They were first recorded in Albany and Busselton in the early 2010’s and have made their way north to Perth. Their pollination potential around Perth is not determined. If you see them around your garden, you can record your sighting on Atlas of Living Australia!
