Indra Swallowtail
(Papilio indra)
Swallowtails
Appearance: This smaller swallowtail is usually black above with small to medium yellow submarginal and marginal bands. The hindwing has iridescent blue spots and orange eye spots with black pupils. The abdomen is mostly black; tails can be very short.
Wingspan: Large; 2 1/2 to 3 inches.
Habitat: Dry canyons, washes and mountainous areas; foothills, montane. Puddles and hilltops.
Flight Times: Late May to August; one brood. Chrysalis overwinters.
Larval Foodplant: Wild members of the parsley family.
Did You Know…
This species is difficult to find and photograph for several reasons – rapid flight, frequents rugged terrain and difficult to approach (Brock, 2003).
