Papilio (Princeps) demodocus
The large Citrus Swallowtail butterfly (wingspan of 9 to 13cm) commonly occurs all over South Africa as well as the rest of the continent south of the Sahara, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats. They are strong fliers, often pausing on flowers and at mud puddles. Though they may be encountered throughout the year they are most frequently seen in the high summer, explaining why they’re also known as the “Christmas Butterfly”. Females lay eggs singly on the tops of leaves, the eggs hatching only a few days later. Their larvae can become pests in citrus orchards, Citrus-plants being just one of several related food plants utilised by this widely distributed species. Adults feed on nectar and rotting fruit.
There seems to be butterflies everywhere you look in the forest – these are mating Citrus Swallowtails
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
Citrus Swallowtail
de Wets Wild 
Vrek mooi! Wat het hulle geeet voor lemoene aangekom het??
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Hulle eet gelukkig aan n wyer verskeidenheid plante as net sitrus, AJ.
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Such a beauty she is. My daughter in Jhbg sent me videos of swarms of butterflies in her garden. 😍
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The Brown-veined White Butterflies are treating us to a spectacular migration this year!
https://dewetswild.wordpress.com/tag/brown-veined-white/
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Lovely – they may pause but seldom for long so you must have been quick to get these shots of an exceptional butterfly.
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We’re lucky in that they often visit a patch of ferns in our little garden to “roost”, Carol.
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Beautiful butterfly
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You should see them in real life, Robert, to appreciate their size as much as their beautifully patterned wings.
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Hulle is darem so delikaat
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Asof hulle van papier aanmekaar gesit is, Aletta, en nogtans verstom hulle mens met hul vermoeens!
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Dis waar! Als is so perfek 🦋
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Oh, what a beauty! It’s funny to read about Christmas and high summer together. 🙂
janet
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One day I’d love to experience a snowy Christmas in the northern hemisphere, Janet, and you are always welcome to join us for a summer Christmas with lots of sunshine, outside meals and fun in the swimming pool!
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Weet jy ek mis skoenlappers hier. Daar is wel baie Monarch skoenlappers en dan soos ons dit geken het “koolwitjies” wat meestal op kool tipe plante uitbroei. Verder is skoenlappers maar skaars hier.
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Ek dink Suid-Afrika is besonders ryk aan skoenlappers, Ineke (soos ons met meeste ander soorte organismes is); die dat die NZ-bevolking so skamel voorkom.
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