Papilio indra
Papilio indra kaibabensis, females
Papilio indra is a butterfly ( butterfly ) from the family of Swallowtail Butterfly ( Papilionidae ).
- 5.1 Notes and references
- 5.2 Literature
Description
Butterfly
The wingspan of the butterfly is 62 to 72 millimeters. All wings have a blackish-brown to black color. In the Submarginalregion the forewing is located on the top from the apex to the inner edge a row of small yellow spots in the Postdikalregion usually runs another series of larger yellow spots. The two spot rows are continued on the hind wings in a similar form. Between the two rows are bluish spots. In Analwinkel lifts, a reddish eyespot, who is black cored, from. The toothed outer edge has a very short tails. As for the color design of the butterfly, there is a wide variation due to regional differences. For example, show specimens of the subspecies Papilio indra kaibabensis that occur in the Grand Canyon, little yellow, blue drawing elements are increased. These features they become clearly apparent particularly in females. The underside of all the wings has the features of the top in a somewhat weaker form. The abdomen of Papilio indra is solid black, sometimes at the end of each page to see a small yellow spot.
Caterpillar
Younger caterpillars have a black and brown color in the center with a white transverse band. Roughly, they are reminiscent of bird droppings. This mimesis they are well protected from predators. Adult animals show a striking pattern that consists of alternating wide black and white or pink stripes. This pattern may vary regionally color however.
Similar Species
Papilio indra differs from others in the wings drawing similar Papilio species through the solid color black, only sometimes on both sides with a yellow patch provided at the end of the abdomen. Similar species show there always yellow dot rows or strips on each side.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of Papilio indra extends from British Columbia south to California and east to Wyoming, Colorado and Nevada. The species prefers warm populated canyons and is also found in the Sonoran Desert.
Way of life
The moths form from one generation per year and are mainly to be found in May and June; in desert areas, however, as early as March. Visit for nectar intake like different flowers or take fluid and minerals in humid Erdstellen on. The caterpillars feed on the leaves of various polyphagous Umbelliferae ( Apiaceae ), including also herbaceous plants of the genera Cymopterus, Lomatium and Tauschia. Pupation takes place as a belt doll. This wintered.
Subspecies
In addition to the nominate Papilio indra indra Reakirt, 1866 following subspecies are distinguished:
- Papilio indra calcicola Emmel & Griffin, 1998
- Papilio indra Fordi Comstock & Martin, 1956
- Papilio indra kaibabensis Bauer, 1955
- Papilio indra martini T. & J. Emmel, 1966
- Papilio indra minori Cross, 1936
- Papilio indra nevadensis T. & J. Emmel, 1971
- Papilio indra panamintensis Emmel, 1982
- Papilio indra parvindra J. Emmel, T. Emmel & Griffin, 2008
- Papilio indra Pergamos H. Edwards, 1874
- Papilio indra phyllisae J. Emmel, 1982
- Papilio indra shastensis Emmel & Emmel, 1998