Victorine Swallowtail
Common NameVictorine Swallowtail
Scientific NameBattus victorinus
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)75
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, cream
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings
Geographic RangeMexico, Central America (south to Costa Rica)
Host PlantsAristolochia grandiflora, Aristolochia odoratissima, Aristolochia pilosa
Flight PeriodYear-round (peaks during rainy season)
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on toxic Aristolochia vines, sequestering compounds that make them and the adults unpalatable to predators. Pupae are cryptic, resembling dead leaves or twigs.
Identification TipsKey features include the overall black wings with a distinct row of pale spots on the hindwings, the absence of tails on the hindwings, and often red or orange spots on the hindwing underside (not visible dorsally).
Description
A medium-sized black swallowtail with a prominent row of creamy white to pale yellow spots along the outer margin of the hindwings and smaller, scattered spots on the forewings.
