Description: 40-48 mm. This is our only swallowtail that does not have tails. It is black with a row of yellow spots along the outer margin of forewing and hindwing.

 

Habitat and Distribution: This species is very localized to places where host plant occurs but there can be locally common. It has been found in Key Largo from April through June. Any place where host plant is used as ornamental

 

Host Plant: Aristolochia sps.

 

Natural History: This species occurs in South Florida, south through Central and South America as well as the Caribbean. It thrives on exotic ornamental pipevine plants. Larvae are obvious as when they are present, they are usually there in large numbers. They tend to devour a vine leaving it leafless! Gardeners can have a difficult time keeping leaves on this vine once it has been found by this butterfly.