Parides sesostris (Cramer, 1779)

Common Name:
Sesostris Cattleheart

Synonyms:

Papilio sesostris (Cramer, 1779)

Natural History:

About 33 species of Parides are recorded for the Neotropics. At least half of the species occurring in the Brazilian Amazon (Lamas, 2004).

Adults assimilate toxic substances from  leaves of Aristolochia spp. eated by caterpillars. The behavior seems to be different between species, but seem to explore the various strata of vegetation. Looking the example of two species that occur in the Amazon, Parides neophilus  show fast and irregular flight, according to description by Berti Filho & Cerignoni (2010). When they rest in the flowers is facilitated their observation. Can feed on flowers from low shrubs to canopy. Parides Lysander  is slow flight, especially when females feed the soil (Otero & Marigo, 1992). When you are feeding the soil is probably the best situation to make photos.

Distribution:
Belize; Brasil; Colombia; Costa Rica; Honduras; México; Suriname

Feeding Adult:

Adults feed on flowers and mud-puddle.

Feeding Caterpillars:

Host-plant are compiled by Beccaloni et al. (2008) some species of the Aristolochiaceae.

Aristolochia acutifolia, Aristolochia bicolor, Aristolochia boosii, Aristolochia burchellii, Aristolochia grandiflora, Aristolochia huberiana,Aristolochia maxima, Aristolochia stomachoidis, Aristolochia tonduzii, Aristolochia spp.

Color:
black, green, red

Publications:

Lamas G. (2004):

Atlas of neotropical Lepidoptera - Checklist: Part 4A Hesperioidea - Papilionoidea. Book.: 1-439

Otero L.S., Marigo L.C. (1992):

Butterflies of Carajás. Book., Rio de Janeiro, Companhia Vale do Rio Doce: 1-76

Berti Filho E., Cerignoni J.A. (2010):

Borboletas. Book., Piracicaba, FEALQ: 1-94

Beccaloni G.W, Viloria A.L., Hall S.K., Robinson G.S. (2008):

Catalogue of the hostplants of the Neotropical butterflies. Book., London, S.E.A., Ribes, CYTED, Natural History Museum, IVIC: 1-536