Astyalus Swallowtail
Common NameAstyalus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio astyalus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (stray), Central America, South America (Mexico to Argentina)
Host PlantsCitrus, Zanthoxylum, Ptelea trifoliata
Flight PeriodMultiple broods year-round in tropical areas, spring to fall in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs laid singly on host plants, larvae are cryptic, and pupae are chrysalides camouflaged as twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsLook for its large size, the distinctive broad yellow bands on a black background, and the tailed hindwings with small red spots near the body.
Description
A large swallowtail butterfly with black wings prominently marked by broad yellow bands across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature distinct tails and small red spots near the anal angle.
