Torquatus Swallowtail
Common NameTorquatus Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio torquatus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, creamy yellow, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeCentral America to northern South America (e.g., Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Brazil)
Host PlantsCitrus species, Zanthoxylum, Piper
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, with multiple broods
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLike other swallowtails, it undergoes complete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid singly on host plants, larvae are typically green or brown with cryptic patterns, and pupae are chrysalises that often resemble twigs or leaves.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its black and creamy-yellow coloration, the broad yellow bands on both wings, the prominent tails on the hindwings, and the characteristic red and white spots along the hindwing margin.
Description
A large swallowtail butterfly with predominantly black wings, featuring broad, creamy-yellow bands across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings possess prominent tails and a series of red and white marginal spots.
