Papilionidae

Definition

A family of large butterflies in the order Lepidoptera, commonly known as swallowtail butterflies, characterized by often prominent tail-like extensions on the hindwings and including over 550 species worldwide. The family encompasses the largest butterflies, such as the birdwings (Ornithoptera), and is divided into three subfamilies: Papilioninae, Parnassiinae, and Baroniinae.

Etymology

From the type genus Papilio (Latin for 'butterfly') + the family suffix -idae

Example

The zebra swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus) and the giant swallowtail (Heraclides cresphontes) are familiar North American members of Papilionidae, while the birdwing butterflies of the genus Ornithoptera in the Indo-Australian region represent the extreme of size in the family.

Synonyms

• Swallowtail butterflies

Related Terms

• Lepidoptera
• Papilioninae
• Parnassiinae
• Baroniinae
• Papilio
• Ornithoptera
• Rhopalocera
• Butterfly
• caterpillar

Usage Notes

Used as a proper noun in taxonomic contexts; the vernacular 'swallowtail butterflies' is often preferred in general writing. The family is monophyletic and well-supported, though subfamily-level classification has been revised with molecular data. Members are distinguished from other butterfly families by a combination of adult morphology (hindwing tails in most, though reduced or absent in Parnassiinae and some tropical groups) and larval characters including osmeteria—retractable, forked scent organs behind the head used in defense.