The Red Helen Butterfly

At first glance, the Red Helen (Papilio Helenus) is a large, dark, and elegant butterfly that glides through the Ubud jungle. While mostly a deep brownish-black, its name comes from the striking, deep-red crescent-shaped "eye" spots on the underside of its hindwings. When it rests, these hidden crimson marks become visible.

This beautiful swallowtail is a relative of the Great Mormon and the Common Mormon, and like them, it is a vital part of our local ecosystem. The Red Helen is another species that relies on our farm-to-table philosophy to thrive.

Its caterpillars, which are bright green and cleverly disguised as a leaf or even a small snake's head, feed on plants from the citrus family (Rutaceae). Our organic garden, filled with citrus, pomelo, and lime trees for our restaurant, also serves as a five-star nursery for these butterflies. Seeing a Red Helen float silently by is a perfect moment of jungle serenity, a testament to a healthy garden where nature and hospitality coexist.