Butterfly – Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus)

The Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus) is shown here in crisp detail, its black-and-cream wings set off by flashes of blue and orange near the tail. One of the most widespread swallowtails in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and the Indian Ocean islands, it thrives in a variety of habitats — from savannahs and coastal forests to gardens and orchards. The species is easily recognised by its scalloped wing edges, bold spotted pattern, and distinctive eyespots on the hindwings.

Also known as the Christmas or orange dog butterfly, the Citrus Swallowtail is admired for both its beauty and its ecological role. A strong, fast flier, it visits flowers for nectar and often “puddles” at damp ground to take up minerals. Its caterpillars are equally remarkable: young larvae mimic bird droppings to avoid detection, while older ones turn bright green with large false eye-spots. When disturbed, they raise a forked orange organ called an osmeterium, releasing a strong odour to deter predators.

Feeding mainly on plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae), including both wild species and cultivated trees, the caterpillars are sometimes considered orchard pests. The butterfly breeds throughout much of the year, producing multiple generations where conditions allow, with pupae that can overwinter through dry or cool seasons. Energetic, adaptable, and vividly patterned, the Citrus Swallowtail is one of Africa’s most familiar and striking butterflies.

Bugs Series

Bugs gathers illustrations adapted from and inspired by founder Simon Tyler's book Bugs, published by Pavilion Children’s Books in 2017. The series celebrates the graphic elegance of insect life: armour-like exoskeletons, iridescent wings, compound eyes, and the ingenious mechanics of movement and camouflage. It’s a visual field guide reimagined—clean, bold forms and carefully tuned palettes that bring structure to the surface.

Each piece begins with the research-led drawings from the book and then goes further: refined linework, rebalanced composition, and subtle textural detailing designed for generous print sizes. The aim is clarity and presence — images that feel scientifically grounded yet striking on the wall. Printed with the same archival care as our other series, Bugs turns natural history into crisp, enduring graphic art.

Printing & Materials

Our Bugs series is produced in collaboration with specialist fine-art printing partners using museum-grade 250 gsm archival giclée paper.

Each print is made to order with exceptional precision and colour accuracy, using pigment-based inks for long-term stability and rich tonal depth.

Prints are carefully rolled in acid-free tissue and shipped in rigid cardboard tubes to ensure they arrive in perfect condition, ready for framing.

All materials and processes are chosen for their longevity, texture, and fidelity to the original artwork, reflecting our commitment to quality and craft.