Diet

• Caterpillars: Feed on shrubs and small trees in the custard-apple family (Annonaceae). The larvae are associated with woody plants rather than the herbaceous plants used by many other swallowtails.

• Adults: Feed on flower nectar and are particularly likely to visit flowering plants along forest edges and in clearings.

Range

• The Dark Kite-Swallowtail occurs from northern Mexico through Central America, with its range extending southward into Colombia and Venezuela in broader treatments.

• It occurs in the Zihua area, particularly where patches of tropical woodland and suitable Annonaceae host plants remain.

Habitat

• Primarily associated with low-elevation deciduous and semideciduous tropical forest, especially along forest edges, clearings, and areas of relatively open woodland.

• It favours warm habitats with a mixture of trees and shrubs, and adults may be encountered flying along sunny forest margins or visiting flowers in openings.

Description

• A medium-to-large swallowtail with a wingspan of approximately 90–95 mm.

• The wings are predominantly dark brown to black, with the male having several broad black bars across the forewings separated by pale translucent or whitish areas.

• Females are similar but considerably more variable; some are heavily darkened and can appear almost entirely black.

• The hindwings are elongated and carry long, narrow tails, giving the species its characteristic kite-swallowtail appearance.

• The hindwing also has pale markings and reddish-orange coloration near the anal area, although these can be subdued in very dark individuals.

• The underside is generally browner and more intricately patterned than the upper surface.

• Its combination of very long tails, dark coloration, and broad forewing bars helps distinguish it from the somewhat similar Eurytides ilus.