Polystictus Swallowtail
Common NamePolystictus Swallowtail
Scientific NameBattus polystictus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)
Host PlantsAristolochia species
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on *Aristolochia* vines, sequestering toxins that make them unpalatable to predators. Pupae are typically camouflaged.
Identification TipsKey features include the dark wings with iridescent blue-green on the hindwings, a distinct row of white marginal spots, and the characteristic scalloped hindwing edges.
Description
A medium-sized black swallowtail butterfly with iridescent blue-green scaling on the hindwings and a row of white spots along the margins of both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings are distinctly scalloped.
