Parides ascanius

Parides ascanius, the Fluminense swallowtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is endemic to Brazil where it is confined to the municipalities of Atafona and Itaguaí.It is found in subcoastal swamps and thickets. It is a said to be a primitive species, lacking vigour and facing competition from the sympatric Parides zacynthus and Parides anchises ''nephalion'', the two most advanced members of the genus, both strong and aggressive species.
Most of its habitat is threatened and the localities in which it occurs are scattered. A strikingly beautiful butterfly it is on the Brazilian list of animals threatened with extinction, the first insect so designated.

Description

Parides ascanius has a spatulate tail. The two sexes are similar. The male has on the hindwing a hindmarginal fold, covered with white wool

Biology

Parides ascanius larvae are found from October to April, feeding only on Aristolochia ''macroura in its preferred wetland habitats. Adults fly all year. The favourite flower of the nectar feeding adults is Lantana camara''

Taxonomy

Parides ascanius is the type member of the ascanius species group
The members are

Etymology

It is named in the classical tradition. In Roman mythology Ascanius is a legendary king. The common name, "Fluminense", is the demonym for residents of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.