Papilio canopus (Canopus Swallowtail)
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
16/04/2018
Darwin Botanic Gardens
04/04/2024
Buffalo Creek, Darwin
Synonyms
This butterfly was formerly classified as Papilio fuscus canopus.
Other Common Names
Northern Citrus Swallowtail
Notes
On my first trip to Darwin in April 2018 I found this species to be much more cooperative than P. capaneus had been in Cairns, as well as more attractive. I frequently saw them land with their wings spread wipe, and once settled they were happy to pose for photos.
Oddly enough, when I returned to Darwin 6 years later I didn’t get a single useable photo of an adult canopus. I never found one that would settle for any length of time, so the only photo I got of this species for the whole trip was of an ovum!
Sightings
Darwin – April 2018, April 2024