| Polydamas Swallowtail (Battus polydamas) (Linnaeus, 1758) |
| Synonyms: Papilio polydamas, Gold-rim Swallowtail, Tailless Swallowtail |
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Battus polydamas occurs throughout the Neotropics, from Mexico to Argentina, including the Caribbean; it enters the southern United States in Texas and Florida. This species is common in open woodlands, along forest edges, and in abandoned fields. The caterpillar feeds on the pipevine (Aristolochia spp.), and the adult on nectar of Lantana ssp., and occasionally of other flowers. The Polydamas Swallowtail in these photos was caught in a spider´s web, but freed itself.
