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
Heraclides cresphontes
Giant Swallowtail
(Cramer, 1777)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
The largest butterfly in North America, featuring dark brown wings with a prominent diagonal yellow band and yellow spots, and red-blue eyespots on the hindwings.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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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.Heraclides
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Cramer, 1777)
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
Widespread in various habitats including citrus groves, open woodlands, and gardens from North America to Central America.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal; strong and powerful flier often seen gliding high in the air.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary adult behavior.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 feed on a variety of flower nectars. Larvae feed on Rutaceae family plants (citrus).Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Females lay eggs singly on the leaves of host plants.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
10.0 - 16.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.8 g - 2 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 - 200
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.
3 - 4 Weeks
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
10 - 14
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
The caterpillar mimics bird droppings to avoid predation; it also possesses an 'osmeterium', a foul-smelling orange organ.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Susceptible to severe cold, and agricultural pesticide use on citrus crops.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The caterpillar stage is commonly known as the 'Orange Dog' because it feeds on citrus leaves and is considered a minor pest.