Butterflies in 3D: Common Swordtail, Equatorial Guinea, 2015, 25g, .925

Description

Special box included Graphium policenes or Common  Swordtail is a butterfly belonging to the Papillionidae family. It is indigenous to all forest regions in sub-Saharan Africa. The females with their wingspan of approximately 70 mm are usually slightly bigger than the males, but are spotted far less frequently.

The males have scales on the inner surface of their wings, with which they spread pheromones, in order to attract females. The female, on the other hand, is able to determine the age and fertility of a potential partner based on the scent.