Taxonomy
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Lepidoptera
- Family: Papilionidae (swallowtails)
- Genus: Euryades Hübner, 1821
- Species: Euryades duponchelii (H. Lucas, 1852)
Synonyms
- Parides duponchelii (H. Lucas, 1852) – historically used in some taxonomic treatments.
Common name
- Duponchel’s swallowtail (occasionally used in English literature).
Description
Euryades duponchei is a medium‑large swallowtail butterfly with a wingspan typically ranging from 70 to 90 mm. The dorsal wing surfaces are predominantly black with a series of white to pale yellow spots on the forewings and a conspicuous red-orange patch on the hindwings. The ventral side mirrors the dorsal pattern but is generally lighter in tone. Males and females are similar in coloration, although females may exhibit slightly broader white markings. The characteristic tail‑like extensions on the hindwings are short compared with many other papilionids.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native to the Neotropical region of South America. Confirmed records place it in:
- Southern Brazil (states of São Paulo, Paraná, and Rio Grande do Sul)
- Northeastern Argentina (Misiones and Corrientes provinces)
- Eastern Paraguay
E. duponchelii inhabits subtropical and temperate forest edges, gallery forests, and open woodland where host plants are available.
Life cycle and ecology
- Host plants: Larvae are known to feed on species of the family Aristolochiaceae, particularly genera Aristolochia and Pararistolochia.
- Adult nectar sources: Adults frequently visit flowering herbs and shrubs for nectar, including members of the families Asteraceae and Lamiaceae.
- Behavior: The butterfly is active during daylight hours and exhibits a strong, linear flight pattern. Males often patrol forest clearings in search of females.
Conservation status
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has not evaluated Euryades duponchelii as a separate species; thus, it does not have an official Red List category. Habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural expansion in the Atlantic Forest biome may pose localized threats, but comprehensive population assessments are lacking.
References
- Möhn, A. (1999). Butterflies of the World: Papilionidae – Part I. Stuttgart: Goecke & Evers.
- Lamas, G. (2004). Checklist of the Neotropical Butterflies. Barcelona: Museu de Ciències Naturals.
- Collins, N. M., & Morris, M. G. (1985). Threatened Swallowtail Butterflies of the World: The IUCN Red Data Book. IUCN.
Note: The information presented reflects the current state of scientific knowledge as of the latest published sources. No speculative or unverified details are included.