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Ornythion swallowtail

Ornythion swallowtail

Papilio ornythion

A species of Swallowtails

Papilio ornythion, the ornythion swallowtail, is a swallowtail butterfly of the subfamily Papilioninae. It is found in Mexico and Guatemala. It is occasionally recorded from central and southern Texas and New Mexico and rarely from southern Arizona and Kansas. The wingspan is 83–115 millimetres (3.3–4.5 in). Adults are on wing from April to September. There are probably two generations per year. The larvae feed on the leaves of Citrus trees. Adults feed on flower nectar.

General Info About Ornythion swallowtail
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Attributes of Ornythion swallowtail
Colors
Black
Yellow
Gray
Habitat
citrus grove; garden
Adult Food Sources
Nectar from lantana, echinacea, and buddleia
Larva Food Source
Leaves of citrus plants, rue
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Ornythion swallowtail is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Ornythion swallowtail feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
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Species Status of Ornythion swallowtail
Widespread but rare
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Distribution Area of Ornythion swallowtail
Mexico, Guatemala
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Life Cycle of Ornythion swallowtail
Egg The ornythion swallowtail begins life as an egg, often laid on host plants. The egg is tiny, spherical and varies in color. It is immobile and serves as a protective case for the developing embryo inside.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar stage of ornythion swallowtail emerges. This stage is characterized by rapid growth and constant feeding. The caterpillar is elongated with distinct color patterns making it blend with the environment.
Pupal After gorging on foliage, the ornythion swallowtail enters the pupal stage, encapsulated in a chrysalis. Within this stage, the ornythion swallowtail undergoes a remarkable transformation, with tissues being broken down and reorganized into the adult form.
Adult Emerging from the chrysalis, the adult ornythion swallowtail's development is marked by the presence of vibrant wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is structurally distinct and hardened, and the adult is highly mobile, focusing on reproduction.
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Interesting Facts About Ornythion swallowtail
The caterpillars of the ornythion swallowtail can disguise themselves as bird droppings, deterring predators with a remarkably deceptive camouflage.
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Scientific Classification of Ornythion swallowtail
Tips for Finding Ornythion swallowtail
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Youth Habitat of Ornythion swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas
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Adult Habitat of Ornythion swallowtail
Forests and Woodlands, Grasslands and Prairies, Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Savannas
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How Can You Attract Ornythion swallowtail
To attract ornythion swallowtail, bait traps can be set using food items such as overripe fruit, which emits a strong smell that can entice these creatures to the trap.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Ornythion swallowtail
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are typically best for finding ornythion swallowtail, as they are less active in cold or windy conditions, and adults may not fly in rainy weather.
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How and Where Can You Find Ornythion swallowtail at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of ornythion swallowtail are usually laid on the underside of host plant leaves. Locate the host plants typically favored by ornythion swallowtail to lay eggs on and inspect undersides of leaves for small, spherical or ovate eggs.
Larva Ornythion swallowtail caterpillars can be found on or near their host plants. Look for signs of feeding, such as chewed leaves, and inspect both sides of leaves and stems for camouflaged larvae.
Pupal Ornythion swallowtail often pupate in sheltered areas on or near their host plants. To find pupae, search around the base of plants, in leaf litter, or crevices where they might be attached to plant stems or other surfaces for camouflage.
Adult Ornythion swallowtail adults are most active on warm, sunny days. Search for ornythion swallowtail in flower-rich habitats, gardens, or meadows. They are often seen feeding on nectar, so flowering plants are a good place to set up observations.
Are Ornythion swallowtail harmful?
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Are Ornythion swallowtail harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Ornythion swallowtail
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Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
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Pollinator
Pollinator
Attract Plant Feature
Color
Ornythion swallowtail is known for its remarkable role in pollination, flitting from flower to flower. It is attracted by the vivid colors of flowers and while feeding on nectar, it inadvertently dusts itself with pollen. This loose pollen is then transferred to other flowers, aiding in their fertilization.
Common Questions People Also Ask
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