Heraclides aristodemus  var. ponceanus 

Schaus' Swallowtail

Synonym(s): Papilio aristodemus

Florida native

Endemic to Florida

Endangered Florida species

U.S. Endangered species

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A rare butterfly of tropical hardwood hammock, historically from the greater Miami area to Lower Matecumbe Key, currently only found in a few remnant mainland sites, Elliot Key and upper Key Largo.
Similar to the giant swallowtail, but the 'tails' of the Schaus' swallowtail have a yellow margin instead of a yellow spot. Sexes are similar, with the males having yellow-tipped antennae and the females with dark-tipped antennae
The primary larval host plants are sea torchwood and wild lime.
This species' common name is in honor of US entomologist & botanist William Schaus (1858-1942)

Heraclides aristodemus is a member of the Papilionidae - Swallowtails family.

For more information on this species, visit the following link:
UF Entomology Dept. Featured Creatures page for this species

Date record last modified: Jun 11, 2018