Insect
Androgeus Swallowtail
Papilio androgeusAlso known as Queen Swallowtail, Queen Page
Androgeus swallowtails are striking Neotropical butterflies known for dramatic sexual dimorphism, with males featuring vibrant yellow-and-black wings while females display dark blue-green iridescence. Caterpillars resemble bird droppings in early stages before turning green, feeding primarily on citrus and other Rutaceae leaves. Males often mud-puddle along riverbanks to extract essential minerals needed for reproduction.
NeotropicalPolymorphicPollinator
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFlower nectar, Citrus leaves, Rutaceae leaves
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Spiders
ThreatsPesticide application in citrus farming, localized habitat loss
HabitatsTropical rainforests, forest clearings, gardens, citrus orchards
Life span1–3 months (adults)
Classification
- FamilyPapilionidae
- SpeciesPapilio androgeus
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observe Puddling: Search for males gathered on wet sand or mud flats absorbing nutrients.
- Garden Spotting: Look around flowering tropical shrubs and citrus trees during warm mornings.
Host Plant (c) Alex Abair, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alex Abair · cc-by
Close Relative D. Gordon E. Robertson / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Tubifex / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative Anne Toal from US / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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