Papilionidae
Guides
Heraclides pallas
Broad-banded Swallowtail
Heraclides pallas, commonly known as the Broad-banded Swallowtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It belongs to the genus Heraclides, which includes several swallowtail species found in the Americas. The species is recognized by GBIF and iNaturalist, with 201 observations recorded on iNaturalist.
Papilio
Common Swallowtails
Papilio is a large genus of swallowtail butterflies containing approximately 200 species, representing the sole genus in the tribe Papilionini. The genus includes some of the most recognizable butterflies worldwide, such as the Old World swallowtail (P. machaon), western tiger swallowtail (P. rutulus), and eastern tiger swallowtail (P. glaucus). Modern taxonomic revisions have consolidated numerous former genera—including Pterourus (tiger swallowtails), Heraclides (giant swallowtails), and Achillides—into Papilio, making it one of the most diverse butterfly genera. The name derives from the Latin word for butterfly.
Papilio appalachiensis
Appalachian Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio appalachiensis is a swallowtail butterfly endemic to the Appalachian Mountains of eastern North America. It originated through hybrid speciation between Papilio canadensis and Papilio glaucus, and is now recognized as a distinct species with stable populations at higher elevations. Adults are notably larger than both parental species, with wingspans of 86–115 mm. The species is univoltine, with adults emerging in May and females ovipositing during a brief spring flight period.
Papilio canadensis
Canadian Tiger Swallowtail
A medium-sized swallowtail butterfly with yellow and black striped wings, found across northern North America. Adults fly during spring and summer with a single annual brood. The species was formerly considered a subspecies of Papilio glaucus but is now recognized as distinct based on morphological and genetic differences. It exhibits regional adaptation to climate, with northern populations showing faster development rates in cooler temperatures.
Papilio machaon aliaska
Alaskan Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon aliaska is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail butterfly found in Alaska. It represents a distinct population that has colonized novel host plants in the Asteraceae family in addition to its ancestral Apiaceae hosts. Studies indicate that larval fitness is highest on the ancestral host plant Cnidium cnidiifolium when reared in controlled environments without predation, though field observations suggest survival advantages on novel hosts when natural enemies are present. The subspecies demonstrates the complex ecological and evolutionary dynamics of host plant relationships in swallowtail butterflies.
Papilio machaon hudsonianus
Hudsonian Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon hudsonianus is a subspecies of the Old World swallowtail, a large and distinctive butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It belongs to one of the most widespread and recognizable butterfly species in the Palearctic region. The subspecific designation indicates geographic differentiation within the broader P. machaon complex. Like other members of this species, it exhibits the characteristic tailed hindwings and bold yellow-and-black coloration typical of swallowtail butterflies. The subspecies was described by A. Clark in 1932 based on morphological distinctions from nominate populations.
Papilio machaon oregonius
Oregon Swallowtail
Papilio machaon oregonius is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail (Papilio machaon) endemic to western North America. It represents one of several North American subspecies of this widespread Holarctic species, which has a broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The Oregon Swallowtail is distinguished from other P. machaon subspecies by geographic range and subtle morphological differences. Like other swallowtails in the genus Papilio, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the carrot family (Apiaceae).
Papilio machaon pikei
Pike's Old World Swallowtail
Papilio machaon pikei is a subspecies of the Old World Swallowtail, first described by Sperling in 1987. It belongs to the widespread Papilio machaon species complex, which is one of the most recognizable butterflies across the Palearctic region. The subspecific status indicates geographic variation within the broader species range, though specific distinguishing features of pikei relative to other P. machaon subspecies require detailed examination. Like other members of this species, it undergoes complete metamorphosis with larvae that feed on plants in the Apiaceae family.
Papilio pilumnus
Three-tailed Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio pilumnus, the three-tailed tiger swallowtail, is a species of swallowtail butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is found in Texas, Mexico, and Guatemala. The larvae feed on leaves of Litsea species. As a member of the tiger swallowtail group, it shares the characteristic tail-like extensions on the hindwings with related species.
Papilio polyxenes coloro
Desert Black Swallowtail, Coloro Black Swallowtail
Papilio polyxenes coloro is a subspecies of the black swallowtail butterfly found in arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is distinguished from the nominate eastern subspecies by paler yellow markings and reduced black banding on the hindwings. Adults exhibit strong territorial hilltopping behavior, with males engaging in aggressive aerial combat at summit perches to intercept females. The subspecies shares the characteristic osmeterium defense with other Papilio larvae, emitting foul-smelling compounds when disturbed.
Papilioninae
Swallowtails
Papilioninae is a subfamily of swallowtail butterflies (family Papilionidae) comprising approximately 480 species distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The subfamily is characterized by distinctive morphological features including hindwing tail extensions, specialized wing venation patterns, and structural adaptations of antennae and palpi. Papilioninae was formally classified by Rothschild and Jordan in 1895 and contains four tribes: Papilionini, Troidini, Leptocircini, and Teinopalpini.
Parnassius smintheus
Rocky Mountain parnassian, Rocky Mountain apollo
Parnassius smintheus is a high-altitude butterfly endemic to the Rocky Mountains of North America. It inhabits alpine and subalpine meadows where it depends on Sedum lanceolatum as its primary larval host plant. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in behavior: males are highly mobile and patrol meadows for females, while females are relatively sedentary and search for oviposition sites primarily by crawling. Population dynamics are strongly influenced by early-winter weather conditions, particularly November temperature extremes and snowfall, which affect overwintering egg survival. Climate change poses significant threats through rising treeline and altered snowpack patterns.