Hi Bob, I think you'll find it is a female form of Papilio dardanus (the African Swallowtail, Mocker Swallowtail or Flying Handkerchief).
The female of the species is a master of protective disguise. The female forms are remarkably diverse and mimic other butterflies, so protecting themselves against predators. Many of the at least 14 female forms mimic inedible butterflies. Originates in Africa. Cheers, Andy
Hi Andy, well, you might be right. On the piece of paper that they gave me, (butterfly zoo), it does say that there's a number of them. In fact, I will change the title to Papilio dardanus. Thanks a lot Andy.
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ReplyDeleteNever seen one of them before Bob. Might be a moth !
ReplyDeleteNo idea Bob, but very nice.
ReplyDeleteWas it in the wild, or a butterfly collection?
Warren and Keith, the answer is at the Butterfly Zoo, Symonds Yat West site. It was raining!!!!!
ReplyDeleteEs una mariposa muy hermosa con un diseño en blanco y negro muy bello. Magnífica foto. Saludos.
ReplyDeleteLeovi, thanks.
ReplyDeleteI can't help I'm afraid Bob but I'm sure it isn't a native one. A very nice photo though.
ReplyDeleteThe photos of the Robin on the previous post are just beautiful!
I think you're right about it being a butterfly...other than that I'm lost.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot anyway!
Can't help you with the id, but i can say it a very nice image and nice butterfly ;)
ReplyDeleteVery unusual colours for a butterfly, I tried to google it without success. It would be nice to know its name though. I will keep trying.
ReplyDeleteDon't know what it is.. aside from lovely.
ReplyDeleteAnd Bob, a butterfly... very different from your daily birds !
ReplyDeleteBut I like it... like to see more !!!
Wonderful capture here.
Hi Bob, I think you'll find it is a female form of Papilio dardanus (the African Swallowtail, Mocker Swallowtail or Flying Handkerchief).
ReplyDeleteThe female of the species is a master of protective disguise. The female forms are remarkably diverse and mimic other butterflies, so protecting themselves against predators. Many of the at least 14 female forms mimic inedible butterflies. Originates in Africa. Cheers, Andy
No clue Bob, but it's relly pretty!
ReplyDeleteNo ShySongbird, it is not a local one.
ReplyDeleteYes Dave, I knew it was a butterfly!!!
Better image than not, Dominic.
Thanks, you keep on trying Friend of HK.
Very well said Hilary.
You want some more, Wong?
Hi Andy, well, you might be right. On the piece of paper that they gave me, (butterfly zoo), it does say that there's a number of them. In fact, I will change the title to Papilio dardanus. Thanks a lot Andy.
Yes Joo, it's pretty.
Beautiful butterfly.Greetings Andrzej.
ReplyDeleteNice Butterfly ;-)
ReplyDelete