Small striped swordtail

Description:

The Common Swordtail or Small Striped Swordtail (Graphium policenes) is a species of butterfly in the Papilionidae family, found in tropical Africa. The wingspan is 55–60 mm in males and 60–65 mm in females. Species has continuous broods during warmer months. The larva feed on Uvaria caffra, Artabotrys monteiroae, Uvaria bukobensis, Uvara chamae, Landolphia buchannani, Landolphia ugandensis, Polyalthia spp., Annona reticulata, Annona senegalensis, Annona squamosa, and Monanthotaxis caffra.

Notes:

Not as common as it is called. It's since September last year I've had my eyes on this elegant papilionid after a first sighting. I thought it epitomised the real swallowtail, and it's very likely to be the same one I saw severally afterwards. Its bearing always had been to and fro, N-S, both axis leading to a natural habitat. You'd think this butterfly had other serious business other than nectar (and, or puddle) the way it commutes. I only happen to be along its route most of the time when I see it and often wished it would visit the flowers long enough for me to do my thing. But often to my dismay, it would just fly over the tall building when it gets to it like any other big butterfly would do, ignoring the small garden below. My wish came true one afternoon while having a quiet time near the garden. I sprang to my feet when I noticed a blue-black swallowtail hovering around the middle 'masquerade tree'. She was laying eggs on the good spots found, mostly new leaves. It was my golden opportunity. "God bless me!"