One of the largest butterflies in America, the Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly has an average size of 3 inches and a wing span than can reach up to 6 inches. It can only be seen in Jamaica and is declared endangered since 1996.
Appearance
It has most of the times dark colored with yellow and blue spots on its wings and bands on its body. Male Swallowtail has hair scales found on their hand wings near the abdomen. What makes Swallowtails different among other butterfly is their unique organ called the “osmeterium”. The osmeterium acts as weapon for predators. It emits a fouls smell once threatened by predators. Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly also has tails on their behind legs and are migratory insects. Little is known about their mating and reproductive behavior.
Habitat
Being endemic in America, Giant Swallowtail Butterfly can be found especially in the eastern end of the Blue Mountains and Cockpit Country in Jamaica. Their habitat is due to their behavior of wanting to dwell in remote and undisturbed areas of the wild. Some also say they also like to live on wet limestone forest. You can also sight swallowtail butterfly on lower montane rainforests.
Food
The Giant Swallowtail Butterfly usually eats leaves of trees and flowers in the forest. They also lay their eggs on the undersides.
Conservation
Conservation efforts have been made and are still implemented to protect the total extinction of this endemic creature in Jamaica. Threats to the diminishing number of Swallowtail is said to be due to loss of habitat and illegal collecting of the insect for commercial purposes. The government has captive breeding to increase its number. They also made plans to protect the endemic creature like making a protected habitat for them.
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