AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Papilio thoas
Thoas Swallowtail
Linnaeus, 1771
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The Papilio thoas is one of the largest butterflies in the Papilionidae family. It has black wings with a bright yellow diagonal band and a series of yellow spots along the margins. Its hindwings feature distinctive tails and a characteristic red spot at the anal angle. The body is robust and usually shows longitudinal yellow stripes.
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Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Papilionidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Papilio
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Linnaeus, 1771
Record Completeness
95%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
It is a highly adaptable species that inhabits everything from tropical forests to open areas, urban gardens, and agricultural zones. It is widely distributed from the southern United States to Argentina.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
It is a very active and powerful butterfly. It has a vigorous and direct flight, capable of covering large distances. It is often observed patrolling forest edges or feeding on tall flowers with its wings constantly vibrating to maintain balance.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary while searching for food. However, males can show territorial behavior and follow other individuals in pursuit flights.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore. It prefers nectar-rich flowers of plants such as Lantana, Asclepias, and various species of the Citrus family.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
It is a key pollinator for large plants and fruit trees. Its presence is an indicator of the health of ecosystems where wild plants and crops coexist.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay their eggs individually on the leaves of citrus plants. Larvae go through several stages before forming a chrysalis that is attached to the stem by a silk girdle.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 13.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.8 g - 1.5 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.50 - 150
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).No
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 2 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 15
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Weeks
Females2 - 4 Weeks
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Mimicry and Aposematism: Young caterpillars resemble bird droppings to avoid predation, while pupae look like dry twigs. Adults use their vibrant colors as a warning.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Excessive pesticide use: In agricultural areas, the use of insecticides directly impacts larval populations that feed on citrus plants.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Fondness for citrus nectar: Its caterpillars are popularly known as 'orange dogs' due to their specialized diet on plants of the Rutaceae family (citrus).