Belus Swallowtail

Battus belus, the Belus Swallowtail, is a large and striking member of the Papilionidae family widely distributed in the Neotropics, including the Peruvian Amazon. It belongs to the Pipevine Swallowtail group, whose larvae feed on Aristolochia vines, accumulating toxins for defense.

This species presents velvety black ground color with broad, iridescent green or blue-green diagonal bands on the forewings and several sharp marks on the hindwings. Its metallic scales shimmer with every movement, creating a jewel-like effect in the dappled sunlight of the forest canopy. At Kukusa, our Belus Swallowtail specimens are preserved with extreme care to maintain their natural luster.