Hodges#4157

Battus philenor

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Battus philenor: /ˈbætus faɪˈlɛnɔr/

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

Images

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

Summary

Battus philenor, the pipevine swallowtail or blue swallowtail, is a swallowtail butterfly native to North and Central America, known for its iridescent blue hindwings and dependence on Aristolochia plants for larvae feeding. It is a model for Batesian mimicry, confusing predators by resembling other butterflies.

Physical Characteristics

Iridescent blue/black pattern on upper surface with a wingspan of 70-130 mm. Males have very iridescent hindwings while females are less striking. The underside has a single median row of orange spots. Caterpillars are dark brownish black or smoky red with red-orange dorsal warts and tentacle-like projections.

Identification Tips

Can be confused with other members of its mimicry complex including Spicebush Swallowtail and Black Swallowtail. Distinctive iridescent hindwings in males.

Habitat

Commonly found in open grasslands, woodlands, meadows, and backyard gardens, especially where pipevine (Aristolochia) grows.

Distribution

Found across Northern America, from New England to Florida, west to Nebraska, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Oregon. Also observed in parts of Mexico and Ontario.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers including asteraceae; larvae feed exclusively on Aristolochia species, including Virginia Snakeroot.

Life Cycle

Adults overwinter as chrysalises in temperate areas; larvae are present from June into fall; they pupate on tree trunks or suitable locations.

Reproduction

Males court females near host plants, and females lay eggs in clusters on host plants.

Predators

Natural enemies include birds, certain fly and wasp species; larvae have chemical defenses against predation.

Conservation Status

Species of 'Special Concern' in Michigan; not formally protected or part of conservation programs.

Ecosystem Role

Serves as a host plant for various species of Aristolochia and is involved in a mimicry complex that affects predator-prey interactions.

Evolution

Originally classified in the genus Papilio, later transferred to Battus in 1777. Members of the tribe Troidini, with larvae feeding on Aristolochia.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Confounded with non-toxic species due to mimicry; perceived as common due to mimicry with distasteful species.

Tags

  • Battus philenor
  • Blue Swallowtail
  • Butterflies
  • Lepidoptera
  • Mimicry