Maackii butterfly in a frame (Spring Species)

Species: Papilio maackii

Common Name: Black Alpine Butterfly

Origin: Southeast Asia

Size: 4x6" Shadowbox Frame

The Papilio maackii is widely held to be one of the most beautiful butterflies in Japan, covered with thousands of iridescent green or blue scales, the concentration of color in some areas, creates beautiful neon like waves.

Their favorite food is the nectar of mikan trees, and other fruit trees in the mikan family, such as mandarin. They also drink nectar from azaleas.

Like other swallowtail butterflies, the maackii will congregate in large groups. The behavior related to mate selection, where mating partners are decided after an elaborate courtship dance.

The maackii can be found in Central Asia, Japan, China and South Korea.