Skip to main content
Today is National Trails Day!
Close

Mamba swordtail

Graphium colonna

Photo by Tiz
Published on Project Noah
Zoom
NominateNominate for Wildlife Photograph of the Month
reportFlag Spotting

-26.1785, 32.0342

Field Notes

Description:

The only two photos I got of this Swallowtail mud puddling. Not god ones, but I hope this is enough to get an ID :)
It had blood red round patches on the hindwings, close to the body. One on each side.

Habitat:

Mud on a road to the Mbuluzi River

Species ID Suggestions

Mamba swordtail

Graphium colonna

Reference Link
Fanie
1

Comments (8)
Tiz
Thank you for the comment and the ID suggestion Fanie!!!
KateBraun
Thanks, Fanie, yes it does look more like the Mamba swordtail. This species of swallowtail also was previously only recorded in Swaziland from one locality further south in the Lubombo mountains. http://www.sntc.org.sz/biodiversity/sdbutterflyinfo.asp?spid=1308
Fanie
Check this site for comparison with Small striped swordtail: http://www.biodiversityexplorer.org/butterflies/papilionidae/graphium_policenes.htm The blue lines at the bottom of the forewing are thin in the case of the Mamba swordtail. In the small striped swordtail the lines are thicker and become blotches.
Tiz
That is good news. Well I will add in the description that it had blood red round patches on the hindwings, close to the body. One on each side.
KateBraun
Excellent spotting! This is most likely the Small striped swordtail (Graphium policenes policenes), previously only recorded in Swaziland from one locality further south in the Lubombo mountains. http://www.sntc.org.sz/biodiversity/sdbutterflyinfo.asp?spid=1309

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Butterflies & Moths of the World
Mission
Mlawula Nature Reserve
Photographed
PublishedMarch 8, 2014

Community Sponsor

Butterfly
Become a Community Sponsor and Help Grow our Global Movement!

Accelerate our Mission to Photograph 
Every Species in the World!

Butterflies icon
Become a Community Sponsor

Wildlife Community

Wildlife Community

Join a worldwide community passionate about wildlife and nature!

Join Project Noah

Nature School

Nature School

Transform your green space into a curiosity-creating nature classroom!

Visit Nature School

Wildlife Game

Wildlife Game

Defend wildlife throughout the jungle in thrilling nature game!

Play Baboon

Nature & Conservation Organizations

Brands & Mission-Focused Companies