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Pipevine Swallowtail
Battus philenor
29.4922, -99.1296
Field Notes
Description:
Upper-side is black with beautiful bright iridescent blue markings. The blue markings are more prevalent in the male. Underside has prominent row of 7 orange dots which lay among beautiful blue, black, and white markings. The wingspan is between 2 3/4 - 5 inches.
Habitat:
Found in the eastern U.S. in open fields, and woodlands. Can also be found in tropical lowlands and down through southern Mexico. Host plant: pipevines Adults feed on a wide variety of flower nectar.
Notes:
I wish I could have taken some better photos but this guy would not stop fluttering!
FUN FACTS: 1. The eggs of this butterfly range in color from red to orange. 2. They are quite toxic to predators due to the high level of aristolochic acid they ingest when they are in their larval state. 3. Other swallowtails have similar color patterns (batesian mimicry) as a form of defense.
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