Papilio thoas

Linnaeus, 1771

Thoas swallowtail, King swallowtail

Papilio thoas is a large distributed across the Neotropics from Mexico through Central America to South America. The exhibits typical papilionid characteristics including prominent tail-like extensions on the hindwings. Larvae have been reared on Piper aduncum in laboratory conditions, though natural plant associations in the wild require further confirmation. The species is subject to by sarcophagid flies during the pupal stage.

Lagarta Caixão-de-defunto (Heraclides thoas) by Rhalah. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Papilio thoas-ventral by Peterwchen. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.Papilionidae Papilio thoas 1 by NasserHalaweh. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Papilio thoas: //pəˈpɪlioʊ ˈθoʊəs//

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

Images

Distribution

Mexico through Central America to South America, including Colombia (Leticia, Montería, Turbaco), Brazil (Belém, Pará)

Diet

Larvae have been reared on Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) in laboratory conditions; natural plant associations in the wild are not confirmed

Host Associations

  • Piper aduncum L. - larval (laboratory rearing)Laboratory plant; natural host association unconfirmed
  • Sarcodexia lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) - Diptera: Sarcophagidae; observed parasitizing pupal stage

Life Cycle

stages include , larvae, and pupae. Eggs are deposited on plant leaves. Larvae progress through instars with distinct morphological changes. occurs with risk from Sarcodexia lambens.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore; serves as for flies.

Tags

Sources and further reading