Description

Graphium codrus codrus, the Olive Triangle, Butterfly Specimen from Seram Island, Indonesia.

Graphium codrus codrus, commonly known as the Olive Triangle, is a striking swallowtail butterfly found in Indonesia and surrounding regions, including parts of the Moluccas and Sulawesi.

Key Features:

• Wingspan: Around 70–90 mm.
• Coloration: Olive-brown forewings with translucent greenish or olive triangular markings; hindwings feature long tails and pale bands.
• Shape: Characteristic swallowtail structure with pointed forewings and tailed hindwings.

Behavior:

• Active during the day, often seen fluttering around forest edges, riverbanks, and gardens.
• Adults are attracted to nectar, but also feed on moisture from mud puddles (puddling behavior), especially males.

Habitat:

• Found in lowland and montane tropical forests.
• Prefers humid, shaded environments, but also adapts to disturbed habitats.

Life Cycle:

• Larvae feed on plants in the Annonaceae (custard apple family) and Lauraceae families.
• Like many Graphium species, the caterpillars are green and well-camouflaged against host plants.

Significance:

The Olive Triangle is appreciated for its elegant coloration and agile flight. Though not globally rare, it is regionally unique and often featured in butterfly collections for its beauty and delicate structure.