Short-tailed
Guides
Papilio indra
Indra Swallowtail, Short-tailed Black Swallowtail, Cliff Swallowtail
Papilio indra is a western North American swallowtail butterfly distinguished by its predominantly black coloration with minimal blue and whitish markings. The species exhibits a notably short tail and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing. It occupies diverse elevations from sea level to montane habitats and has been documented in ecosystems ranging from urban areas to remote high deserts and pristine forests. The Indra swallowtail completes one brood annually, with flight timing varying by latitude and elevation.