AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Parides iphidamas
Iphidamas Cattleheart
(Fabricius, 1793)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A handsome swallowtail with black wings, featuring cream-colored bands on the forewings and bright pinkish-red spots on the hindwings.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
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.Parides
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Fabricius, 1793)
Record Completeness
96%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
Inhabits humid tropical forests, secondary growth, and disturbed areas from Mexico through Central America to northern South America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; strong and steady flight, frequently observed visiting flowers along forest edges.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Adults are nectar-feeders. Larvae feed exclusively on Aristolochia vines.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Eggs are typically laid on the undersides of host plant leaves.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
7.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.4 g - 0.9 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 60
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
2 - 3 Weeks
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
7 - 10
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males2 - 4 Weeks
Females2 - 4 Weeks
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males are slightly smaller and have a prominent white brand on the hindwings.
Females Multi-lang
Females are usually larger and often lack the distinct white brand found in males.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Aposematic coloration alerts predators to the toxicity obtained from Aristolochia larval host plants.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Impacted by habitat loss and pesticide application in agricultural corridors.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
This species is a very common sight in lowland areas and is often one of the first butterflies observed in new clearings.