Battus polydamas

Polydamas Swallowtail or Gold Rim

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Papilionidae”
Sub Family: “Papilioninae”
Estimated Lifespan 28 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 0
Total Number of Pupae Received: 1746
First Flown On: 10/14/02
Last Flown On: 02/09/24

Species Range:

“NorthAmerica”

Host plants:

Aristolochia

Food Source

Adults like to nectar from flowers. Lantana is one of their favorites.

Habitat

Polydamas Swallowtails can be found in open woods, abandoned fields and disturbed areas.

Life history

After mating the females lay eggs in clusters of 10-14 on new growth of the hostplant. Caterpillars are gregarious feeders when young. Overwintering as chrysalids.

Flights

There are 2-3 flights from April to November.

Fun Facts

The Gold Rim is the only 'tailless' swallowtail in the U.S.