Androgeus Swallowtail
Common NameAndrogeus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio androgeus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)110
Primary Colorsyellow, black
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America, South America (from Brazil to Argentina), occasionally straying into southern Texas, USA
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp., Ptelea trifoliata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on host plant leaves. Larvae are initially dark, resembling bird droppings, then turn green with cryptic patterns. Pupae are chrysalides, camouflaged as twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive broad yellow bands on black wings, especially the large yellow patch on the forewing and the prominent tails on the hindwings. Males have more extensive yellow markings than females.
Description
A large, striking swallowtail butterfly with broad, bright yellow central bands across its black forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature prominent, slender tails.
