Papilio cresphontes
Papilio cresphontes
Papilio cresphontes, sometimes also called Big dovetail or agent Tiger Swallowtail, is a butterfly ( butterfly ) from the family of Swallowtail Butterfly ( Papilionidae ).
- 4.1 Notes and references
- 4.2 Literature
Description
Butterfly
The moths reach a wingspan of 100 to 160 millimeters, making them the largest Tagschmetterlingsart in North America. The front wings are stretched and from black-brown color. From Apex runs a layer formed from stains yellow band that is wider toward the root field and continues on the hind wings. At the outer edge of the front wing are yellow spots. The hind wings are black brown, slightly serrated and have a long tails. This contains a yellow eye-spot, which is usually elongated. Near the edge of the hind wings is a row of yellow arc spots, some of which run into each other and thereby act as a binder. At the lower inside edge there is a black eye patch over which a reddish, bluish -scale upward, crescent-shaped spot is clear.
Caterpillar
The caterpillars have an alternate black brown and whitish color and resemble bird droppings, which they are well camouflaged from predators. In case of danger, they can also evaginate a red Osmaterium.
Similar Species
The moth is similar to the King's swallowtail ( Papilio thoas ) very strong, but which usually is slightly smaller ( Maximum wingspan 140 mm). Some authors state as a distinguishing feature that P. cresphontes has only three yellow spots on the outer edge of the front wing direction Thomus while P. thoas their four shows. For reliable determination nevertheless professionals should be consulted.
Distribution and habitat
Papilio cresphontes is mainly distributed in the eastern and southern United States and is also found on the Bermuda Islands, Cuba, Central America, and to Venezuela and Colombia. The species inhabited very different habitats, such as sandy or rocky hillsides, riparian zones or orchards.
Way of life
The moths form in the northern parts of the range two generations per year and fly from May to September. In Florida, they are available year round to watch. Visit for nectar intake like different flowers. These include lantana ( Lantana ), azaleas and bougainvillea.
The caterpillars feed on polyphagous different hash family ( Rutaceae ), such as citrus plants (Citrus ), Zanthoxylum and native to North America ( Ptelea trifoliata ). In orange groves they sometimes occur on as an agricultural pest and are then referred to in the U.S. as "Orange Dogs". Pupation takes place as a belt doll. This is often attached to thin stems and then gives it the appearance of a dry broken branch.