Papilio anchisiades

Family

Papilioninae

Genus

Papilio

Specie

anchisiades

Forewing Length

49-56 mm

Range

Texas; Mexico to Brazil. Subspecies: Mexico to Panama.

Host Plant

Casimiroa edulis, Zanthoxylum, Citrus, (Rutaceae).

Pupa Stage

Approximately 15 days.

Pupa Description

Dull brown, twiglike, with green areas that resemble lichen; the color varies with the pupal substrate.

Adults Description

Distinguished by having a short Forewing costa and an elongated distal portion of the HW; tails are absent or present, but always reduced in length. This species is variable with respect to the red-and-white markings.

Habits Description

Widespread and common from sea level to 1,400 m on both slopes, in association with disturbed habitats. Frequently seen visiting flowers in gardens, pastures, or along forrest edges. Probably the most common and abundant swallowtail in Costa Rica, it is present in most habitats throughout the year.