Montezuma's Cattleheart
Common NameMontezuma's Cattleheart
Scientific NameParides montezuma
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical evergreen forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica
Host PlantsAristolochia species
Flight PeriodYear-round, more abundant during rainy season
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on toxic Aristolochia vines, making both larvae and adults unpalatable to predators. The pupa is typically cryptic.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its dark, almost black wings with a prominent row of red crescent spots on the hindwing. The red markings on the head and thorax are also key.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with velvety black wings and a distinctive row of bright red, crescent-shaped spots along the hindwing margins. Its body is also marked with red.
