Papilionidae : Papilioninae
Heraclides pelaus (Bates, 1935)
Pelaus Swallowtail
Heraclides pelaus (Bates, 1935)
Pelaus Swallowtail
Description and Similar Species: Wingspan 100-110mm. The only black swallowtail with a white diagonal band across the forewing. Males have 2-3 red spots on the hindwing upperside whereas females have 5-6.
Range: Endemic to the West Indies where there are three subspecies. The subspecies H. p. atkinsi is found only on Cuba.
Status: Rare and found only in mountain woods at the east end of the island.
Nectar Plants: Tournefortia, Chromolaena odorata, and Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Zanthoxylum sp.
Range: Endemic to the West Indies where there are three subspecies. The subspecies H. p. atkinsi is found only on Cuba.
Status: Rare and found only in mountain woods at the east end of the island.
Nectar Plants: Tournefortia, Chromolaena odorata, and Lantana.
Larval Foodplants: Zanthoxylum sp.
