Bunichus Cattleheart
Common NameBunichus Cattleheart
Scientific NameParides bunichus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, white, red, pink
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru)
Host PlantsAristolochia spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, more common during warmer months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; larvae feed on Aristolochia species, pupating into a chrysalis before emerging as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black wings with a broad white forewing band and a distinct row of bright pink/red spots on the hindwing margin, coupled with the presence of hindwing tails and a red-marked thorax.
Description
A striking butterfly with velvety black wings, featuring a prominent diagonal white band on the forewings and a series of vibrant pink to red spots along the margin of the tailed hindwings. Its body and thorax are also dark, with noticeable red markings on the thorax.
