Heraclides thoas (Linnaeus, 1771)
Common Name:
Thoas Swallotails
Thoas Swallotails
Synonyms:
Papilio thoas (Linnaeus, 1771)
Natural History:
This species can be observed in places with sun in different environments, in urban habitat or forest. Always in search of sunshine may spend much time flying high, but fly lower to feed on flowers or damp sand. Eggs and caterpillars that mimic “bird droppings” can be found in leaves of Piper sp.
Adults live on average 3 weeks and the female placed as one hundred eggs, may become pests in crops of orange (Rutaceae) (Otero & Marigo, 1992).
Distribution:
Brasil; Colombia; Ecuador; Panamá; Perú; Venezuela
Brasil; Colombia; Ecuador; Panamá; Perú; Venezuela
Feeding Adult:
on nectar, minerals
Feeding Caterpillars:
Caterpillars feed on plants of Piperaceae and Rutaceae
Color:
yellow
yellow
Habitat:
urban, open forest / meadow
urban, open forest / meadow
Publications:
- Otero L.S., Marigo L.C. (1992):
- Butterflies of Carajás. Book., Rio de Janeiro, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce: 1-76