NOW: Papilio pilumnus PUPAE
Host plants: Avocado, various Lauracae
Difficulty: Pupae are very easy to hatch (1/10); breeding is difficult
Temperature: Room temp. or warmer
Lifecycle: Several broods; pupae go into diapause during unfavourable conditions
The Three-Tailed Tiger Swallowtail, Papilio pilumnus (Boisduval, 1836), is a large butterfly native to Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador - there have been a handful of records of this species migrating into Texas but only individual specimens, not breeding groups. In some areas this is a seasonal butterfly, but where conditions allow it will breed year-round. Breeding in captivity is challenging but not impossible, reported on Avocado (Persea americana) and Laurels (Litsea sp.) Pupae are very simple to hatch out at home following standard methods.