Behaviour
Diet
The caterpillar eats the leaves of many plants, particularly citrus and native species from the Family Rutaceae; it prefers to eat young leaves but large caterpillars will eat older leaves. The butterfly feeds on nectar from a variety of plants, particularly lantana.
Movement
If disturbed, a caterpillar will reveal a red-orange “tentacle” (known as the osmeterium) from behind its head which emits a foul smell to deter predators.
Flight
Generally slow and erratic unless disturbed, and females fly more slowly during the egg-laying period. The males tend to “patrol” flight paths.
Breeding
Females lay eggs on the underside of host leaves, and the eggs hatch one week later.