The polydamas swallowtail was the first swallowtail to visit my garden and instantly became a favorite. They are so incredibly hard to photograph with their wings open, as they are constantly fluttering. I was beyond excited when this newly emerged polydamas swallowtail showed me its full beauty after releasing it into the garden.

he polydamas, also known as the gold rim swallowtail, tailless swallowtail and scientific name Battus polydamas lucayus, lays its eggs on the Dutchman pipe. This is the only swallowtail that lacks the tails at the base of the secondary wings, according to the University of Florida.

This species can be found throughout peninsular Florida, as well as in the Florida Keys. There are some that wander as far north as Missouri and Kentucky.

The polydamas swallowtail’s wings range from 9.2 to 11.6 centimeters.

The female is larger than the males. According to the University of Florida, the males have scent scales, which are hidden on the fold of the inner margin of the upper surface of the hind legs. The scales are “fluted,” releasing pheromones easier. When the mating dance begins, the male will helicopter around the female, all while fanning those chemicals over them.