Indra Swallowtail
Common NameIndra Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio indra
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, blue, orange
HabitatArid canyons, rocky slopes, open woodlands, chaparral, mountainous regions
Geographic RangeWestern North America (Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, Pacific Northwest)
Host PlantsLomatium parryi, Lomatium dissectum, Lomatium grayi
Flight PeriodLate May to early July
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs singly on host plants. Larvae are green with black and yellow markings, pupating to overwinter, with adults emerging the following spring.
Identification TipsLook for the broad yellow band on black wings, prominent tails, and the combination of blue spots and an orange eyespot on the hindwings. Found in arid, rocky habitats of western North America.
Description
A large, striking black swallowtail butterfly with a broad band of bright yellow spots across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature prominent tails, a row of iridescent blue spots, and a distinctive orange eyespot near the anal angle.
