Insect Spreading Class: The Purple Spotted Swallowtail

The Purple Spotted Swallowtail (Graphium weiskei) looks like it flew straight out of a fantasy novel. Native to the cool, misty rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this butterfly is a true endemic wonder—velvety black wings dusted with luminous purple spots and streaks that catch the light like gemstones. With slender tails and a gliding flight, it's equal parts elegance and enchantment. Its caterpillars, masters of camouflage, feed on plants in the Lauraceae family before transforming inside chrysalises that vanish into the forest. Rare, radiant, and undeniably magical, this butterfly is what happens when nature goes full sparkle mode.

You may also like the following events from Paxton Gate:

• Next Saturday, 26th July, 10:00 am, DIY Taxidermy Rat Workshop in San Francisco
• Next Sunday, 27th July, 10:00 am, DIY Taxidermy Rooster Workshop in San Francisco
• Next month, 23rd August, 11:30 am, Insect Spreading Class: Two Butterflies: BD and 89 butterflies in San Francisco

Also check out other Workshops in San Francisco.