Papilio polyxenes asterius

(Stoll, 1782)

Vernacular names
English : Banded swallowtail
French : Papillon du céleri

Classification
Class : Insecta
Order : Lepidoptera
Family : Papilionidae
Notes : 9 other subspecies known.

Identification
Adult females can reach a wingspan up to 8.5 cm, males being smaller. Black body with rows of white spots. Wings are black with two conspicuous rows of yellow spots. Upper side with blue spots, underside with bright orange spots.

Range and habitat
From south Canada and most of USA (especially east of Rocky Mountains), south through Central America to Peru and Ecuador. Also on Cuba. Mostly found in open areas, including deserts and suburban parks.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not listed
Status : This species has a huge range and remains locally very common. Currently, it doesn’t face any threats for its long term survival.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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