Bahamian Swallowtail (Papilio andraemon [Sharpe])
Wing span: 3 3/4 - 4 inches (96 - 102 cm).
Identification: Upperside of forewing has yellow bar at end of cell; long tails of hindwing are filled with yellow.
Life history: Females lay single eggs on host plant leaves.
Flight: Three flights April-October. Adults may fly or be swept by hurricanes between islands.
Caterpillar hosts: Plants in the citrus family (Rutaceae): Citrus, Ruta, and Zanthoxylum species.
Adult food: Not reported.
Habitat: Sea-level scrub and hammocks.
Range: Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica; rare stray or temporary colonist in Florida Keys or on mainland near Miami.
Conservation: Once listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; since delisted.
Management needs: Colonies should be protected if located.
The Nature Conservancy Global Rank: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
References:
Opler, P. A. and G. O. Krizek. 1984. Butterflies east of the Great Plains. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore. 294 pages, 54 color plates. Opler, P. A. and V. Malikul. 1992. A field guide to eastern butterflies. Peterson field guide #4. Houghton-Mifflin Co., Boston. 396 pages, 48 color plates. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America. Stanford University Press, Stanford, Calif. 583 pages, 64 color plates.
Author: Jane M. Struttmann