Swallowtails, Parnassians

Papilionidae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Papilionoidea
Family: Papilionidae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Papilionidae: //ˌpæpɪliˈɒnɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Battus polystictus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Parides pizarro by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Parides burchellanus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Parides montezuma by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Papilio marcellus by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Papilionidae, commonly known as swallowtails, is a diverse family of large, colorful butterflies characterized by unique adaptations like elongated tails and osmeterium in caterpillars. They play essential roles in ecosystems across the globe and exhibit fascinating behaviors such as mimicry and host plant relationships.

Physical Characteristics

Large, striking butterflies with hind wings usually having elongated tails that mimic antennae to distract predators. Caterpillars have osmeteria, a forked protrusion for defense, and pupae are usually green or brown, attached by silk.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic elongated tails on hindwings and the presence of osmeteria on caterpillars. Swallowtails often display bright colors, and some species exhibit variation in wing patterns due to mimicry.

Habitat

Swallowtail butterflies inhabit a wide range of environments from tropical to temperate regions, including forests, fields, and mountain habitats.

Distribution

Over 550 species distributed across every continent except Antarctica, with the highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, especially Southeast Asia.

Diet

Adult swallowtails feed on nectar from flowers, while larvae feed on a variety of plants, primarily from families such as Aristolochiaceae, Annonaceae, Lauraceae, Apiaceae, and Rutaceae.

Life Cycle

Adults lay eggs on host plants. Eggs hatch into larvae (caterpillars) which undergo several molts before pupating. Pupae overwinter in North America, and then emerge as adults in the spring.

Reproduction

Swallowtails reproduce sexually with males sealing the female genital opening post-mating. Females lay individual eggs on the underside of host plant leaves.

Predators

Red-winged blackbird, Pennsylvania firefly, five-lined skink, green darner, goldenrod spider, Chinese mantis, fiery searcher, and striped skunk.

Ecosystem Role

They play crucial roles in pollination as adults and serve as food sources for various predators during their life stages.

Economic Impact

Some species are pests in citrus orchards due to their larval feeding habits. They are also sought after by collectors leading to butterfly farming.

Cultural Significance

The Oregon swallowtail is the state insect of Oregon; the eastern tiger swallowtail is the state insect of Virginia, and the state butterfly of Georgia, Delaware, and South Carolina.

Evolution

The family Papilionidae is thought to have evolved unique adaptations like mimicry and osmeterium in caterpillars, indicating a strong evolutionary relationship among its members and with their host plants.

Misconceptions

People often confuse them with other butterfly families. Their mimicry does not imply they are completely safe from predation; it only reduces the likelihood of being eaten due to their similarity to toxic species.