Gold Rim  Butterfly " Polydames Swallowtail" and their host plants

Wingspans: 3.5" to 4"

Description: The Gold Rim Swallowtail, also know as Tailless Swallowtail is a large blackish butterfly with a greenish yellow band on each wing. The underside of the hindwing is brown with brick red spots and a small yellow patch. The hindwing is scalloped but, unlike our other swallowtails, does not have tails. Female have slightly wider yellow bands than males. Do not confuse the Gold Rim with Black or Palamedes Swallowtails that have the tails broken off.

Larva: The brownish caterpillars are thick bodied with fleshy protuberances. The tubercles are short and orange red in color. The osmeterium is bright yellow.

Pupa: The chrysalis may be either brown with orange markings or green with yellow marking.

* If you are looking for aristolochia Tomentosa vine, our Nursery Eden of Wings carries this plant year-round. Occasionally we are able to have Aristolochia Serpentine and Firmbriata, but these two can be more difficult to grow from the seed.

What is the Host Plants for the Polydamas Swallowtail?

* Aristolochia Serpentaria " Virginia Snakeroot"

* Aristolochia Tomentosa " Wooly Dutchman pipe"

* Aristolochia Firmbriata "White Veined Dutchman's pipe"