Blue-banded Swallowtail
Image: Commelin, Caspar; Merian, Maria Sibylla; Mulder, Joseph; Ottens, Frederik.; Seba, Albertus; Sluyter, Peter; Stopendael, Daniel (Public domain)
Common NameBlue-banded Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio menatius
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsdark blue, black, blue-green
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges
Geographic RangeCentral and South America
Host PlantsFig (Ficus sp.)
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesThe illustration depicts caterpillars (larvae) feeding on the fig plant, indicating complete metamorphosis. The larvae are shown as striped brown and white.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, prominent hindwing tails, and the striking iridescent blue-green band contrasting with the dark wings.
Description
A large, dark swallowtail butterfly with prominent tails on its hindwings, characterized by a broad, iridescent blue-green band across the hindwings.
