Parides iphidamas

Common Parides

Basic Information

General information

Family: “Papilionidae”
Sub Family: “Papilioninae”
Estimated Lifespan 16 Days

Garden Specific Information

Estimated Number In Flight: 6
Total Number of Pupae Received: 2518
First Flown On: 12/16/02
Last Flown On: 10/31/24

Species Range:

  • “NorthAmerica” “SouthAmerica”

Host plants:

  • The larvae are known to feed on plants in the genus Aristolochia.

Food Source

The adults are known to feed from a variety of flowers but they seem to really enjoy flowering bushes and trees.

Etymology Of Name

The origin of the genus Parides and the specie iphidamas is currently unknown.

Habitat

While they are primarily found in forest habitats they are known to visit the areas surrounding the forest in search of nectar plants.

Life history

In the mornings males visit flowers and patrol their territory for females. Once females have mated they spend midday along the forest edge looking for host plants. The eggs are laid singly on the host plant and once the larvae emerge they live a solitary life until they pupate.

Flights

The exact time of year for the flights of Common Parides is currently unknown.

Fun Facts

Once a female accepts the courtship behavior of a male the two individuals will copulate. Before the two individuals separate the male attaches a sphragis, or plug, to the end of the female’s abdomen. The sphragis insures that other males will not be able to mate with the female and that the genetic material of the first male will be passed on.