Distinguishing features
As a butterfly, the upper side is boldly marked in black and white, with narrow blue-grey margins, and specks of orange on the hind wings. The prominent double-pointed tails gives the butterfly its name. The underwing of both sexes are marked in complex patterns of red and yellow-brown, against on a white background, bordered by black outlines and an orange edge to the hind wing.
In larval form, the green, mature caterpillar is unique among Australian butterflies. A yellow line runs along each side, and the back is marked by one or more crescent shapes. The green head has two pairs of long horns besides a smaller set behind the head-scale. (Wikipedia)
Size
- Size data has not been obtained.
Wingspan
- Up to 8.5 cm
Synonyms
Distribution
©Atlas of Living Australia: Australian distribution
Behaviour
These fast, strong flyers are mostly seen in the dry season. Males frequent hilltops, and establish territories, by perching head down, some 3m up in trees, while they move the hind wings up and down. (Wikipedia)
Diet
The larval food is the foliage of certain native and introduced tree species. The native species include Wattles, the Illawarra Flame-tree, Lacebark or White Kurrajong, Kurrajong and Celtis species, while the False Acacia is an exotic species that is also favoured.
Adults may feed on the sap of trees, rotting fruit and moisture from dung. (Wikipedia)
