Magnificent Swallowtail
Common NameMagnificent Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio garamas
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Primary Colorsblack, cream
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, cloud forests, forest edges
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama)
Host PlantsMagnolia, Annona
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs laid on host plants, larvae feed and grow, pupate into a chrysalis, and emerge as adult butterflies.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, overall black coloration, and the prominent, broad, curved cream-colored band that spans both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature characteristic swallowtails.
Description
A large, striking black swallowtail with a broad, curved cream-colored band across both forewings and hindwings, and prominent tails on the hindwings.
