Subfamily Papilioninae Scientific name Battus Order Butterflies and moths | Family Papilionidae Tribe Troidini Rank Genus | |
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Lower classifications |
Battus is a New World genus of butterflies that are usually found around pipevine (genus Aristolochia) plants. The caterpillars feed off the poisonous pipevines, making the insects poisonous themselves; they taste very bad to ward off predators. Since birds avoid these butterflies, other swallowtail species mimic their coloration. The common North American species are Battus polydamas and Battus philenor.
Contents
Etymology
In Greek mythology, Battus is a shepherd who witnessed Hermes stealing Apollo's cattle. Because he broke his promise not to reveal this theft, Hermes turned him to stone.
Species
Listed alphabetically within groups:
subgenus: Battuosa Möhn, 1999
species group: belus Möhn, 1999subgenus: Battus Möhn, 1999
species group: philenorReferences
Battus (butterfly) Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA