white-crescent swallowtail
Common Namewhite-crescent swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio anchisiades
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, pink
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, forest edges, clearings, gardens, citrus groves
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (rarely), Mexico, Central America, South America
Host PlantsCitrus, Zanthoxylum, Ptelea trifoliata
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions; multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesFemales lay single eggs on host plant leaves. Larvae are initially dark, later becoming green with white markings, mimicking bird droppings. Pupae are typically green or brown, camouflaged as twigs.
Identification TipsKey features include its large size, overall black wings, and the prominent, unbroken row of pink/red crescent spots on the hindwings. Most subspecies lack tails, which helps distinguish it from other swallowtails.
Description
A large, predominantly black swallowtail butterfly with a distinctive row of bright pink or red crescent-shaped spots along the margin of its hindwings.
