Ornythion Swallowtail
Common NameOrnythion Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio ornythion
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)100
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, blue, red
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, thorn scrub, arid and semi-arid regions
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp., Ptelea trifoliata
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are typically green with cryptic patterns, mimicking bird droppings when young, and later developing eye spots. Pupae are chrysalides, often camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, black ground color, and the distinctive broad white band of spots. The combination of hindwing tails, blue spots, and red-orange lunules helps differentiate it from other black swallowtails in its range.
Description
A large, black swallowtail butterfly with a broad band of white spots across its forewings and hindwings. Its hindwings feature prominent tails, a row of blue spots, and red-orange markings near the anal angle.
