This archive report was first published on 26 December 2019.
Deep within the Central African Republic's primary forest, a team of scientists is on a quest to uncover the secrets of the African giant swallowtail, a butterfly that has been shrouded in mystery for centuries.
Discovered in 1782, this majestic creature boasts black-streaked orange-brown wings that reach up to 25 centimeters across, making it one of the largest butterflies in the world.
However, despite its impressive size, the African giant swallowtail remains an enigma, with no recorded sightings of its caterpillar or chrysalis stage.
Led by entomologist Philippe Annoyer, the team has set up camp on the banks of the Lobaye river, where they hope to pinpoint the flowers that the female butterflies use to lay their eggs.
"This species, like many others, is becoming increasingly rare," Annoyer said, highlighting the urgent need to study and conserve this magnificent creature.
But the team's efforts have been met with disappointment, with no signs of the caterpillar or chrysalis stage found after three weeks of trekking and climbing.
As the expedition draws to a close, the team's hopes now lie with botany samples, which may help to identify the plant that the female butterflies use to lay their eggs.
Despite the challenges, the expedition has provided a unique opportunity to study the state of forests in the impoverished and conflict-ravaged Central African Republic.
