Ruby-spotted Swallowtail
Common NameRuby-spotted Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio anchisiades
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, gray, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, citrus groves
Geographic RangeSouthern North America (southern Texas), Central America, and South America (from Mexico south to Argentina)
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp., Pilocarpus spp.
Flight PeriodMultiple broods year-round in tropical areas; spring to fall in temperate zones
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are often cryptic, mimicking bird droppings when young, and later develop eye spots. Pupae are chrysalides, typically camouflaged.
Identification TipsKey features include the black wings with a pale gray forewing band, the prominent ruby-red spots on the hindwings, and the absence of tails on the hindwings, which distinguishes it from many other swallowtail species.
Description
A large, predominantly black swallowtail butterfly featuring a broad, pale gray band across its forewings and a distinctive row of bright ruby-red spots on its hindwings, which are scalloped but lack tails.
