Polydamas Swallowtail
Battus polydamas
The Polydamas Swallowtail is a large tailless black butterfly commonly seen in South Florida gardens planted with pipevines and nectar flowers.
The Polydamas Swallowtail is a large tailless black butterfly commonly seen in South Florida gardens planted with pipevines and nectar flowers.
A large black swallowtail without hindwing tails. Both wing surfaces show a broad row of yellow or cream spots. The body is dark with red markings.
Flies rapidly through gardens and often keeps its wings moving while nectaring. Females lay eggs in clusters on suitable pipevine growth.
Adults and caterpillars do not sting. Avoid handling and keep children and pets from eating caterpillars or pipevine plants.
Do not collect wildlife from parks or protected lands without permission. Follow property rules and protect host plants from pesticide drift.
Habitat:
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Residential Areas
Area / Range:
Central Florida, South Florida, Florida Keys
Diet:
Adults drink nectar from pentas, lantana, bougainvillea, and many other flowers. Caterpillars feed on pipevines in the genus Aristolochia.
Behavior:
Flies rapidly through gardens and often keeps its wings moving while nectaring. Females lay eggs in clusters on suitable pipevine growth.
Daytime
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Sunny warm days in butterfly gardens with pipevine host plants and abundant nectar flowers
Florida Native Status:
Native
Conservation Status:
Not Federally or State Listed
Safety Level:
Safe to Observe
Safety Information:
Adults and caterpillars do not sting. Avoid handling and keep children and pets from eating caterpillars or pipevine plants.
Benefits to Property:
Pollinates flowers and adds strong wildlife value to landscapes containing appropriate host and nectar plants.
Property Concerns:
Caterpillars may temporarily defoliate pipevine host plants. Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides and let healthy vines regrow.
Fun Fact:
Unlike many swallowtails, the adult lacks tails on its hindwings. Chemicals obtained from pipevine host plants help deter predators.
Wildlife Laws:
Do not collect wildlife from parks or protected lands without permission. Follow property rules and protect host plants from pesticide drift.
Identification:
A large black swallowtail without hindwing tails. Both wing surfaces show a broad row of yellow or cream spots. The body is dark with red markings.