Swallowtail-butterflies
Guides
Trogus pennator
Trogus pennator is a parasitoid wasp in the family Ichneumonidae that attacks larvae of swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae), particularly in the genera Eurytides and Papilio. Females locate hosts using chemical cues from larval frass and feeding damage. The species is deterred from parasitizing Battus philenor due to aristolochic acid sequestration by that host. It has been recorded in North America including Vermont.
Troidini
Birdwings, Cattlehearts, Pipevine Swallowtails
Troidini is a tribe of swallowtail butterflies (Papilionidae: Papilioninae) comprising approximately 135 species across 12 genera. The tribe is notable for its strict specialization on host plants in the family Aristolochiaceae (pipevines), from which larvae sequester aristolochic acids for chemical defense. This sequestration renders adults distasteful to vertebrate predators and has driven the evolution of aposematic coloration, primarily black wings with contrasting spots or bands in white, orange, or blue. The tribe includes well-known species such as the pipevine swallowtail (Battus philenor) and Polydamas swallowtail (Battus polydamas), as well as the birdwings (genus Ornithoptera). Troidini butterflies serve as models for Batesian mimicry complexes, with numerous palatable butterfly species converging on similar color patterns to gain protection from predators.