Citrus Swallowtail
The Citrus Swallowtail (Papilio demodocus) is showcased in this print, presenting its clean black‑and‑cream pattern set off by flashes of blue and orange near the tail. One of the most widespread and recognisable swallowtails in sub‑Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and Indian Ocean islands, this species thrives in diverse environments including savannahs, gardens, orchards, and coastal forests. It is easily identified by its scalloped wing margins and bold spotted pattern with distinctive eyespots near the hindwings
The citrus swallowtail is also known as the Christmas or orange dog butterfly and is valued both for its beauty and its role in the ecosystem. It is a strong, fast flier, frequently seen visiting flowers for nectar and mud-puddling for minerals. Its caterpillars are equally famous: young larvae closely resemble bird droppings for camouflage, while mature caterpillars are bright green with false eye-spots and display a forked orange organ called an osmeterium if threatened. These caterpillars feed primarily on citrus family plants (Rutaceae), including wild species and cultivated orange, lemon, and grapefruit, sometimes becoming pests in orchards and home gardens. The species is multivoltine, often producing three or more generations per year in favourable climates, with pupae that can overwinter through dry or cool periods.
This artwork refines the original illustration from Bugs and is printed with the giclée process on heavyweight 250gsm archival matte paper. The tidy, landscape composition and precise colour bring the graphic clarity of this celebrated African swallowtail to vivid, enduring life.
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.