A CHRISTMAS butterfly is the seasonal star at a tourist hotspot in Stratford this festive season.
The large butterfly, which is primarily black and yellow and native to Africa, has taken up residence at Stratford Butterfly Farm.
Papilio demodocus, as it is known, has an average wingspan of nine to 11cm. The caterpillars feed on citrus trees and hence are also known as the ‘Citrus Swallowtail’.
Also new on display is the Hercules Beetle, the most famous of the Rhinoceros Beetles. Native to the rainforests of Central and South America, they can also be found in coastal regions of North Carolina. Their title is well deserved with some males reaching 18cm in length, making it one of the largest beetles known.
The Hercules beetle is also said to be the strongest creature on earth for its size, able to carry 850 times its own body weight.
Butterfly farm spokesperson Jane Kendrick said: “Our stunning Christmas Butterfly, and the Hercules Beetle are a must see this Christmas. Along with thousands of tropical butterflies and insects, lifecycle demonstrations, plus browsing in our gift shop, we have all the ingredients for a truly tropical Christmas this year.”
