Home / Swallowtail (Papilionidae) / Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)

Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas)

 

Polydamas Swallowtail

The Polydamas Swallowtail is a species of butterflies that belong to the common ‘swallowtail’ group. These black butterflies are widely spread in 21 local subspecies across their geographic range. They are commonly seen between April and November.

Scientific Classification


  • Family: Papilionidae
  • Genus: Battus
  • Common names: Gold rim swallowtail, tailless swallowtail
  • Scientific Name: Battus polydamas

Description and Identification

Caterpillar

Polydamas Swallowtail Caterpillar

The mature larvae are approximately 5.3 cm (2.1 in) in length. They vary in color – starting from dark brown with orange tubercles having black tips to light tan ones that have pale tubercles. The lighter versions are relatively rare. Their cuticles have a pattern of darker lines, which might not be easily visible in specimens having a dark coloration. They consume their egg shells soon after they emerge from them. With their four instars, this stage lasts for 19-24 days.

Pupa

Polydamas Swallowtail Chrysalis
entnemdept.ufl.edu

Interestingly, the chrysalis can have two colors that are predominant in plant species – brown and green – the colors of the dead and new leaves, respectively. The patterns on their bodies also resemble the venation found in leaves. This is mainly for camouflaging purpose. On an average, this stage lasts for about 18 days.

Adult Butterfly

Sexual Dimorphism: Not visibly present

Color and Appearance: When the wings are open, the dorsal side shows a black base color with submarginal bands and marginal spots, both in light yellow. When the wings are closed, the ventral side also shows a black base with a row of submarginal yellow spots on the primary wings and a single row of sub-marginal wavy lines in red, while the secondary wings show a row of marginal yellow spots. Both the male and the larger female display the same pattern.

Polydamas Swallowtail Butterfly

Average wingspan: 9.2 – 11.6 cm (approx. 3.6 – 4.6 in)

Flight pattern: Slow to moderate

Eggs

Polydamas Swallowtail Eggs

Yellow to orange in color with about 1 mm in diameter, laid in clusters of about 10 to 14 in each on the exposed newly developed stems or the growing tips of vines

Quick Facts

Distribution/Range South of Texas, peninsular Florida south to Argentina, northern parts of Kentucky and Missouri
Habitat Open woods, abandoned fields, disturbed areas
Lifespan of adults Maximum of two weeks
Host plants Pipevines (Aristolochia species)
Adult diet Nectar from flowers primarily of the lantana species,  but also seen feeding on honeysuckle and soapweed

Did You Know?

  • Unlike the other members of the ‘swallowtail’ group, they lack the characteristic tails at the base of the secondary wings, for which they get the name ‘tailless swallowtail’.
Polydamas Swallowtail Host Plant
Polydamas Swallowtail Life Cycle
fotothing.com
Polydamas Swallowtail Range
whatsthatbug.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scientific Classification

  • Family: Papilionidae
  • Genus: Battus
  • Common names: Gold rim swallowtail, tailless swallowtail
  • Scientific Name: Battus polydamas