Photograph by:
Patty Dodson
Latin name:
Papilio thoas
Native to:
South Texas south to Brazil. Occasionally can be seen in Kansas and Oklahoma.
Plant Association:
Larvae feed on plants in the Rutaceae family including Citrus spp. Adults feed on nectar from a variety of flowers including Lantana and Bougainvilla.
Interesting Fact:
Caterpillars rest exposed on leaves, but are primarily left unharmed because they resemble bird droppings.