Western Giant Swallowtail
Common NameWestern Giant Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio rumiko
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)130
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, citrus groves, gardens, riparian areas
Geographic RangeSouthwestern United States, Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsCitrus spp., Zanthoxylum spp., Ptelea trifoliata
Flight PeriodMarch to November (multiple broods)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae initially resemble bird droppings, later becoming green with false eyespots. Pupation occurs in a chrysalis, often camouflaged as a twig.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its large size, black and yellow coloration, and the broad, continuous yellow band across both forewings and hindwings. The hindwings have tails and often feature a red-orange eyespot with blue scaling near the anal angle.
Description
A large butterfly with black wings featuring a broad, continuous yellow band across the forewings and hindwings, and a row of yellow spots along the outer margins. The hindwings possess prominent tails.
