Parides childrenae

Family

Papilionidae

Genus

Parides

Specie

childrenae

Forewing Length

male 45-49 mm / female 48-52 mm

Range

Mexico to Ecuador. Subspecies: Guatemala to Panama.

Host Plant

Aristolochia tonduzzi (Aristolochiaceae).

Pupa Stage

Approximately 15 days.

Pupa Description

Bicolored green with yellow wingpads, head, and last abdominal segment; head flatly.

Adults Description

Both sexes have red palpi. Male large green patch on forewing and prominent white forewing spot. This spot is a reliable field character for distinguishing the species when flying. Female distinguished by the two white patches on the forewing, one of which is just outside the cell.

Habits Description

Occurs from sea level to 800 m on both slopes, in primary rain forest habitats. Males are very conspicuous, fast fliers that commonly patrol patches of Hamelia flowers along forest edges and in light gaps. Patrolling begins in the early morning, and the same flower patch is patrolled by a single male for a few hours, after which he leaves the area and does not return to it. I have found that a marked male may turn up the next day several kilometers from where it was marked, patrolling a different flower patch. Freshly eclosed females are less vigorous fliers, and visit Flowers during the early morning; usually they are courted by the patrolling males. Older females fly at midday in the shady forest understory, and are extremely wary.