Diet

• Caterpillars feed on pipevines in the family Aristolochiaceae.

• Eggs are laid individually or in small groups on young leaves and shoots of the host plant.

• Adults obtain nectar from flowers and may visit damp ground for moisture and minerals.

Range

• Parides photinus ranges from Mexico through Central America to Costa Rica.

• It occurs on both Pacific and Gulf slopes of Mexico and extends from low elevations into the mountains.

• Guerrero is within its range, and it occurs in the Zihua area.

Habitat

• It inhabits tropical and subtropical forest, including both humid forest and seasonally drier woodland.

• Forest edges, clearings, riparian vegetation and secondary growth provide suitable habitat where Aristolochia vines occur.

Description

• A large cattleheart with a wingspan of approximately 84–100 mm.

• The wings are predominantly velvety black, with a subtle blue-green metallic sheen, especially in males.

• The hindwings have two rows of reddish-pink spots along the outer margin. The inner row forms distinctive V-shaped or crescent-like markings.

• The hindwings have short tails, while the forewings lack the broad pale bands seen in some other Parides.

• The underside is similar to the upper surface but has a stronger iridescent appearance, and the abdomen and sides of the thorax have conspicuous reddish spots.

• Caterpillars are dark reddish to wine-coloured with pale and reddish tubercles and a black head. Like other swallowtails, they possess an osmeterium that can be extended when disturbed.

• The combination of black wings, blue-green sheen and paired rows of pinkish-red hindwing spots makes P. photinus readily recognizable among the cattlehearts occurring in western Mexico.