This is the Costa Rican subspecies (stabilis) of the Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), a close sister of the North American subspecies of Black Swallowtail (asterias.) There are two colour forms in these butterflies, one being more yellow-orange and the other being black (sometimes near totally.) A colourful and active, mid-sized butterfly that does very well in an enclosure or greenhouse alike, stabilis is ideal for a breeding project for those of any ability but particularly as an introduction to swallowtails. Their main host plant is Fennel (including ornamental varieties), which the butterflies adorn with eggs. Development is very quick for this tropical species, with eggs hatching in 3-5 days and caterpillars reaching pupation after only two weeks!
Difficulty - Easy (3/10)
Host plants - Fennel
Temperature - Room temp. or warmer
Lifecycle - Continually brooded where conditions allow; pupae capable of diapause
