Specimen No. 05 — Green-banded Swallowtail

Papilio nireus

Against a ground of deep, velvety black, the Green-banded Swallowtail carries a sweep of vivid turquoise that shifts and shimmers as the light changes. It is a contrast that feels almost designed — electric color set against darkness — yet is entirely the work of nature. Native to sub-Saharan Africa, Papilio nireus is a species that rewards close observation, its iridescent banding revealing new depth and nuance at every angle.

Slender in form with characteristic swallowtail extensions, it brings both drama and elegance to the collection.

Each specimen is professionally mounted and presented in a modern natural history frame, positioned to showcase the full symmetry and coloration of the wings. As with all natural specimens, subtle variation between pieces is inherent, ensuring every work is uniquely its own.