Variable Cattleheart
Common NameVariable Cattleheart
Scientific NameParides iphidamas
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, pink, red
HabitatTropical and subtropical rainforests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico south through Central America to Ecuador
Host PlantsAristolochia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions (multiple broods)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay eggs singly on host plants of the Aristolochia genus. Larvae are dark with fleshy spines and feed on the toxic leaves, making them and the adults unpalatable to predators.
Identification TipsKey features include the velvety black wings with the distinctive row of pink/red spots on the hindwings and the bright red markings on the head and thorax.
Description
A striking black butterfly with a row of vibrant pink to red spots along the outer margin of the hindwings and a red collar on its thorax.
