Battus polydamas lucayus
Rothschild & Jordan, 1906
Florida Polydamas Swallowtail, Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim, Tailless Swallowtail
A tailless swallowtail butterfly distinguished by gold-rimmed black wings with red spots. Larvae feed exclusively on pipevine plants (Aristolochia) and sequester toxic aristolochic acids for chemical defense, rendering both caterpillars and unpalatable to vertebrate . Adults exhibit slow, weak and are active .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Battus polydamas lucayus: /ˈbætəs ˌpɒlɪˈdæməs luːˈkeɪəs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Tailless wings with distinctive gold marginal band on black background; forewings bear red spots. Caterpillars are dark with fleshy orange and possess an orange, forked osmeterium that emits foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.
Images
Distribution
Florida and Caribbean region (Bahamas, Greater Antilles); records from Casa de las Mariposas and other regional localities.
Diet
Larvae feed exclusively on Aristolochia (pipevine) plants; visit flowers for nectar.
Behavior
Slow, lazy pattern; are weak fliers. Caterpillars feed gregariously when young, dispersing as they grow. When threatened, larvae evert the osmeterium to release defensive chemicals.
Ecological Role
Pollination; serves as model for complexes.
Similar Taxa
- Battus philenor (Pipevine Swallowtail)Shares black coloration with red/orange markings and sequesters aristolochic acids from Aristolochia; distinguished by tailed hindwings and iridescent blue sheen.
- Mimoides spp.Batesian mimics that copy the warning coloration of Battus but lack chemical defenses.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Pipevine Swallowtail: Battus philenor! Battus philenor! | Bug Squad
- 'Battus philenor! Battus philenor!' | Bug Squad
- Big Bioblitz Set April 29 at UC Davis: Plants, Animals and More | Bug Squad
- Model butterflies: Pipevine swallowtail, Battus philenor, and Polydamas swallowtail, Battus polydamas — Bug of the Week
- How Belizean butterflies best their enemies: Polydamas Swallowtail, Battus polydamas — Bug of the Week
- Archive — Bug of the Week
- Polydamas Swallowtail, Gold Rim, Tailless Swallowtail, Battus polydamas lucayus (Rothschild & Jordan) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Papilionidae: Troidini)