Straight-banded Swallowtail
Common NameStraight-banded Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio orthosilaus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, yellow, orange
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeSouth America (Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina)
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round in warmer regions, more common during warmer months
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis; eggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are typically green or brown, often camouflaged, and pupate into chrysalides resembling twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsKey features include the prominent, relatively straight yellow band extending across both forewings and hindwings, the series of yellow submarginal spots, and the characteristic tails on the hindwings.
Description
A large, striking black swallowtail with broad, bright yellow bands across both forewings and hindwings, complemented by a series of yellow submarginal spots. The hindwings possess distinct tails and small orange ocelli.
