Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Beneficial Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Variable cattleheart

Variable cattleheart

Parides erithalion

A species of Cattlehearts

The upper side of the wings is black with a row of red postmedian spots. The underside of the wings is also black with a row of pink and whitish spots.

General Info About Variable cattleheart
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Variable cattleheart
Colors
Black
Red
White
Habitat
heavily forested habitat
Adult Food Sources
Lantana camara, buddleja davidii, eupatorium species, thistle, heliconias
Larva Food Source
Aristolochia species leaves, aristolochia serpentaria, aristolochia watsonii, aristolochia fimbriata, aristolochia californica
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Variable cattleheart feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Siphoning mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Variable cattleheart
It is distributed in North and South America. It is common local species and not threatened.
Rectangle
Life Cycle of Variable cattleheart
Egg The egg of variable cattleheart is the first life stage, laid on host plants. Tiny and often ovular, the eggs may vary in color and texture, usually bearing protective features to blend with their surroundings and evade predators.
Larva Upon hatching, the larva or caterpillar of variable cattleheart is primarily focused on growth. It exhibits a voracious appetite, feeding heavily on foliage. This stage is characterized by several molts, each increasing its size and slightly altering patterns and colors.
Pupal The variable cattleheart enters the pupal stage encased within a chrysalis, adhering to a substrate. Dramatic transformation occurs as tissues break down and reorganize. The chrysalis may exhibit various colors and textures to camouflage or ward off predators.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult variable cattleheart’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Adult Size of Variable cattleheart
8 - 9 cm
Rectangle
Predators of Variable cattleheart Larvae
Birds, rodents, wasps, ants, spiders, mammalian insectivores
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Variable cattleheart
Predatory birds, mantises, spiders, larger predatory insects
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Variable cattleheart
Variable cattleheart's caterpillars have a unique organ called the osmeterium which they use to emit foul odors as a defense mechanism against predators.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Variable cattleheart
Tips for Finding Variable cattleheart
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Variable cattleheart
Tropical Rainforests
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of Variable cattleheart Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of variable cattleheart are typically laid on the host plant leaves, which can often be found near forest edges or in meadows rich in specific larval food sources. Searching for larvae requires examining the host plants, as caterpillars feed on the foliage and are commonly found blending with the leaves or stems. Pupae might be discovered hanging from twigs or leaves, sometimes in less visible spots such as the underside of a branch or nestled in leaf litter. To find adults, one would search surrounding flowering areas, as they frequent flowers for nectar and are very active during warm, sunny conditions.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Variable cattleheart
The suitable time to find variable cattleheart depends on its lifecycle. Adult variable cattleheart are generally most active during warmer months and during daytime when the sun is shining for basking and feeding. Caterpillar stage variable cattleheart can often be found throughout their growing season on host plants.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Variable cattleheart
Warm, sunny, and calm weather conditions are most suitable when searching for adult variable cattleheart, as they will be more active for feeding and mating. Rainy or windy days may reduce their activity, making them harder to find. For the caterpillar and pupa stages, moderate weather without extreme temperatures or heavy precipitation is suitable, as these conditions support healthy development.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Variable cattleheart at Different Life Stages
Egg Variable cattleheart eggs are typically placed on host plants. To find them, inspect the leaves of known host plants for small, spherical or ovate structures that can often be colored or patterned.
Larva Caterpillar stage variable cattleheart are found feeding on host plants. Look for chewed leaves and frass (caterpillar droppings) as indicators. The caterpillars might be camouflaged, so search patiently.
Pupal Pupae of variable cattleheart are frequently attached to host plants or concealed in leaf litter. Finding them requires a careful visual search of potential pupation sites, including the underside of leaves or branches.
Adult Adult variable cattleheart can be found usually feeding on nectar-rich flowers, basking in sunny spots, or engaged in courtship behaviors during suitable weather. Open meadows, edges of woodlands, and gardens are common habitats to search within.
Are Variable cattleheart harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free

The variable cattleheart can cause toxic reactions with a wide range of severity. However, the toxins are typically targeted at their prey and predators. They are usually not fatal to humans.

Rectangle

Are Variable cattleheart harmful to humans?

They are not a poisonous butterfly, but they have a special gland that secretes bad smells and chemicals.
Beneficial Effects of Variable cattleheart
Discover the hidden benefits of insects
Explore how insects help as pollinators, pest predators, and biocontrol agents. From seed dispersal to decomposition, they play vital roles in our ecosystem.
Download the App for Free
Pollinator
Pollinator
Prefer Plant Type
Aristolochia
Pollination Behavior Reason
Eat Pollen Or Nectar
Variable cattleheart is a pollinator that is primarily attracted to the colors of the flowers it visits. While feeding on pollen for nourishment, it inadvertently collects and transfers pollen between flowers. This interaction plays a crucial role in the reproduction of plants, especially Aristolochiaceae, which are its preferred flowers.
Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to Variable cattleheart
White-crescent swallowtail
White-crescent swallowtail

Mimoides thymbraeus, the white-crescent swallowtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is found from Mexico to El Salvador and Honduras, where it is widespread and common.

Read More
Arrow
Chinese windmill
Chinese windmill

Adorned with wings that showcase a mesmerizing canvas of black and iridescent blue, chinese windmill flutters through temperate forests and grassland biomes. The undersides of its wings reveal a mottled pattern of grey and white, thought to offer camouflage among foliage. As a caterpillar, it is equally impressive with a specialized diet primarily consisting of Aristolochia plant species, but this diet diverges greatly once it transforms, with the adult preferring the nectar of a varied bouquet of flora.

Read More
Arrow
Common windmill
Common windmill

Length 110 to 140 mm Sexes alike Black and white above with prominent swallowtail Red bodied - tail has a red tip Forewings completely black above and below Hindwings crenulated deeply twice on each side of swallowtail. Large oblong white discal spot in 5 (both upperside and underside) and sometimes in 4. Upperside hindwing has irregular marginal red crescents in 1a, 2 and 3 and a small white spot in 4.

Read More
Arrow
White dragontail
White dragontail

A denizen of the Asian tropics, white dragontail presents a delicate, almost ethereal appearance with its translucid wings edged in a contrasting hue. These creatures undergo a remarkable transformation from voracious, leaf-munching larvae to nectar-sipping aerial acrobats, with adults often seen fluttering in sunlit clearings, partaking in the bounty of wildflowers.

Read More
Arrow
Green dragontail
Green dragontail

Characterized by a striking contrast of colors, green dragontail displays a remarkable wing pattern that enhances its visibility among the foliage. As an adult, it unfurls wings that serve both as a display to potential mates and as a warning to predators. The larval form of this creature exhibits an entirely different approach to survival, with a diet focused on certain host plants, which they consume voraciously to fuel their transformation into the elegant aerial adults.

Read More
Arrow
Common clubtail
Common clubtail

Adorned with wings that showcase a dramatic contrast of black and creamy-white, common clubtail features vibrant red and blue eye-catching markings which deter predators. The larvae are distinctly equipped with fleshy spines and feed on host plants, undergoing remarkable transformation to become nectar-imbibing adults, fluttering amongst flowering landscapes. This delicate dance of metamorphosis and vivid colors is a captivating spectacle of nature's artistry.

Read More
Arrow
Yellow Gorgon
Yellow Gorgon

Meandrusa payeni, the yellow gorgon, is a species of swallowtail found in parts of South Asia and Southeast Asia. It belongs to the hooked swallowtails genus, Meandrusa, of the family Papilionidae. It is also called the outlet sword or the sickle.

Read More
Arrow
Parides agavus
Parides agavus

The red anal spot of the hindwing very large and z-shaped. The abbreviated white band of the hindwing is somewhat variable. A full description is provided by Rothschild, W. and Jordan, K. (1906)

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow