Kalpana Kalpana (Editor)

Papilio joanae

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Kingdom
  
Animalia

Class
  
Insecta

Family
  
Papilionidae

Scientific name
  
Papilio joanae

Phylum
  
Arthropoda

Order
  
Lepidoptera

Tribe
  
Papilionini

Rank
  
Species


Similar
  
Papilio brevicauda, Papilio indra, Papilio andraemon, Papilio ornythion, Papilio appalachiensis

Papilio joanae, the Ozark swallowtail, is a North American butterfly species in the family Papilionidae. It was once considered a synonym of the black swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes).

Contents

Description

The Ozark swallowtail is almost identical to the black swallowtail. Despite this similarity, an analysis of the Ozark swallowtail's mitochondrial DNA suggests that it is actually more closely related to the Old World swallowtail (Papilio machaon). On both surfaces of the hindwing, the pupil in the eyespot usually touches the edge of the inner margin. On the underside of the hindwing, the orange spots have very little or no yellow in them.

Distribution

This butterfly is endemic to the Ozark Mountains in the United States. It is uncommon to rare in this region.

Flight

The Ozark swallowtail is seen from April to September.

Habitat

P. joanae is found in cedar glades and woodland habitats.

Life cycle

The caterpillar is morphologically very similar to the black swallowtail caterpillar. The two species may be more easily distinguished by the habitat and host plants upon which the caterpillar feeds, as these differ. There are two broods per year.

Host plants

  • Thaspium barbinode - meadow parsnip
  • Taenidia integerrima - yellow pimpernel
  • Zizia aurea - golden alexander
  • References

    Papilio joanae Wikipedia