Urania Swallowtail Moth
Common NameUrania Swallowtail Moth
Scientific NameUrania fulgens
FamilyUraniidae
SubfamilyUraniinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsblack, green
HabitatTropical rainforests, forest edges
Geographic RangeMexico to Ecuador, Central America, northern South America
Host PlantsOmphalea spp.
Flight PeriodYear-round (in tropical regions)
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed exclusively on toxic *Omphalea* vines, sequestering the toxins for defense. Adults are diurnal and migrate in large numbers.
Identification TipsLook for the striking iridescent green and black striped pattern, the presence of tails on the hindwings, and its diurnal flight, which often leads to it being mistaken for a butterfly.
Description
A large, day-flying moth characterized by iridescent emerald green stripes contrasting with a deep black background on its wings, which also feature prominent tails on the hindwings.
