Egg At this earliest stage of life, the common banded peacock swallowtail begins as an egg. Typically attached to a leaf, the egg is small, spherical, and may exhibit a subtle color that blends with the environment. Within the egg, the embryo develops over time until it's ready to hatch.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar of the common banded peacock swallowtail emerges, characterized by a voracious appetite for leaves. This stage is marked by significant growth, with the larva increasing in size through a series of molts, each revealing a larger, longer body and different color patterns.
Pupal The transformative stage for the common banded peacock swallowtail happens in the pupa or chrysalis. Here, it is immobile, attached to a substrate, and protected by a hard casing. Inside, the common banded peacock swallowtail's tissues are rearranging, developing wings, and transitioning from larval to adult features.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult common banded peacock swallowtail’s development is completed. It displays vibrant wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened. This stage is distinguished by sexual maturity, mobility, and a shifted focus towards mating and laying eggs.