Specie's Page                                               South America - King Swallowtail

King Swallowtail:  

UK Status: Non resident, but can be seen in the UK in some tropical houses, and butterfly farms.

Habitat: These butterflies are to be found in the southern USA, Mexico and parts of South America.

Breeding: This butterfly lays it's eggs on plants of the citrus family, and has been reported laying eggs on a species of pepper plant. Larvae feed on the food plants for two to four weeks before pupating. In the tropical part of it's range this Swallowtail is on the wing all the year around.

Comment: This butterfly has a twelve to fourteen centimetre wingspan. It is easily confused with the very similar Giant Swallowtail.