Schaus Swallowtail
Common NameSchaus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio aristodemus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)90
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatTropical hardwood hammocks
Geographic RangeSouthern Florida (primarily Florida Keys), Hispaniola, Cuba, Puerto Rico
Host PlantsAmyris elemifera, Zanthoxylum fagara
Flight PeriodLate April to early June
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are cryptic, resembling bird droppings in early instars, then turning green with false eyespots. Pupae are camouflaged chrysalides, with adults emerging in the spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size and the striking, broad yellow band contrasting against dark brown to black wings. It lacks the extensive blue or red markings seen in some other swallowtail species.
Description
A large, dark swallowtail with prominent, broad yellow bands across its forewings and hindwings. The hindwings feature a small tail and may have subtle blue and red markings near the anal angle.
