Family Papilionidae | Genus Battus Rank Species | |
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Similar Battus laodamas, Battus ingenuus, Battus eracon, Battus belus, Battus crassus | ||
Battus lycidas is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae native to the Neotropic ecozone. It is commonly known as Cramer's swallowtail, the Lycidas swallowtail, and the yellow-trailed swallowtail.
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Description
The wingspan of Battus lycidas can reach 10–11 millimetres (0.39–0.43 in). Wings are basically black, with yellow markings and a greenish structure-colour. The hind wings are tailless. This species shows a sexual dimorphism, as in males hind wings have anal androconial creamy yellow patches and the abdomen is yellow cream, while in the females hind wings have faint pale yellow spots forming a discontinuous strip in the middle area. Little is known about this species, but it is not considered threatened. Adults fly in May and June visiting flowers of Warscewiczia coccinea (Rubiaceae) and blooms of Vochysia guatemalensis (Vochysiaceae). The larvae of Battus lycidas feed on Aristolochia huberiana. and on Aristolochia constricta.
Distribution
This species can be found from Mexico to northern Bolivia and southern Pará, Brazil. It is rare in Costa Rica.
Habitat
These butterflies prefer the canopy, the margins of streams and clearings, at an elevation of 0–800 metres (0–2,625 ft) above sea level.