Capaneus Swallowtail
Common NameCapaneus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio capaneus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Primary Colorsblack, cream, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens
Geographic RangeCentral America to South America (e.g., Mexico, Brazil, Peru)
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on leaves, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsKey features include the broad, pale cream band on dark wings, the presence of tails on the hindwings, and the distinct orange-ringed black eyespots on the hindwings.
Description
A large, dark swallowtail butterfly with a prominent cream-colored band extending across both forewings and hindwings, and distinctive orange and black eyespots on its tailed hindwings.
