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Luminary Oddities · Natural history & art
Graphium latreillianus
Lepidoptera / Papilionidae
Graphium latreillianus is a tailless African swallowtail with pale markings above and a metallic copper underside. African accounts associate it with primary forest and document males feeding on damp sand and other moist substrates.
Read the species account
Carcasson describes a large, tailless butterfly with black wings and pale olive-green markings. Females in his treatment have smaller, cream-coloured markings. The underside is metallic copper. [2]
The African synthesis records the species from parts of West and Central Africa eastward to Uganda and Tanzania and associates it with primary forest. It distinguishes a western nominate form from the more easterly theorini. [1]
The African synthesis records males taking liquid from damp sand, perspiration, urine-soaked sand and camp refuse sites. [1]
Carcasson identifies the metallic copper underside as a distinguishing character. This ventral colour gives the coppery lady its common name. [2]
The African synthesis associates adults with primary forest and reports more frequent encounters near the beginning of Ghana’s rainy season. [1]
The dark-and-pale dorsal pattern contrasts with the metallic copper underside. Both surfaces retain the rounded, tailless wing outline.
The dark-and-pale dorsal pattern and warmer ventral palette give the two illustrations distinct colour structures. Both retain the tailless outline and marking arrangement of the same species.
Keep physical specimens enclosed and handle the frame rather than the insect. Avoid direct sunlight, persistent damp and concentrated heat; inspect periodically for loose fragments, moisture or pest damage. Do not brush or wet wing surfaces. [3]
Does the coppery lady have hindwing tails? No. Carcasson describes it as tailless, despite its placement in the swallowtail family. [2]
What does coppery refer to? The name describes the metallic copper underside. [2]
The African synthesis documents taxonomy, distribution, forest associations and adult feeding. Carcasson supplies the historical description of male and female markings and the copper underside. [1][2]
Lepidopterists Society of Africa / Metamorphosis · Accessed 2026-10-09
Journal of the East Africa Natural History Society · Accessed 2026-10-09
Canadian Conservation Institute · Accessed 2026-10-09
Smithsonian Gardens · Accessed 2026-10-09
Framed and digital artworks featuring this species. Current options and prices are listed on Etsy.
Sources checked 2026-10-09. Illustrations · Luminary Oddities.
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