Butterflies Endemic to Jamaica


Homerus Swallowtail Butterfly

(Papilionidae Papilioninae)


Homerus Swallowtail - Papilio homerus

The Homerus swallowtail, Papilio (Pterourus) homerus Fabricius, is listed as an endangered species and is endemic to the Caribbean island of Jamaica. The largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, P. homerus once inhabited seven of Jamaica’s 14 parishes and consisted of at least three populations; however, now only two stronghold populations remain, a western population in the rugged Cockpit Country and an eastern population in the Blue and John Crow Mountains. Despite numerous studies of its life history, much about the population biology, including estimates of total numbers of individuals in each population, remains unknown. In addition, a breeding program is needed to establish an experimental population, which could be used to augment wild populations and ensure the continued survival of the species. Here, we present a review of the biology of P. homerus and recommendations for a conservation plan.


Jamaican Swallowtail Butterfly

(Papilionidae Papilioninae)


Jamaican Swallowtail - Papilio melonius

xxx


Thersites Swallowtail Butterfly

(Papilionidae Papilioninae)


Thersites Swallowtail - Papilio thersites

xxx


Jamaican Kite Butterfly

(Papilionidae Papilioninae)


Jamaican Kite - Protographium marcellinus

Also called the Blue Swallowtail, the Jamaican Kite is a relatively small swallowtail with long, slender tails and stripes of black and blue-green along its wings.The Jamaican kite is threatened with extinction due to its limited range, restricted distribution of its food plant, and intense agricultural development near Kingston, Jamaica. This swallowtail is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Larvae of this species feed on Black lancewood, Oxandra lanceolata, a tree that occurs in a very small area. This swallowtail has two broods per year, but typically maintains a very low population. However, on some years it is very productive and males migrate across the island. Unfortunately, no hostplants occur elsewhere on the island to support new populations. The Jamaican kite occurs primarily at one site called the Roselle colony. Limited range, restricted distribution of food plant and intense deforestation for agricultural development. This species may only occur at a single site where its population undergoes drastic swings. Measures must be taken to protect this site and the important larval host plant. This species and Rozelle Falls is included in the National Strategy and Action Plan on Biologial diversity in Jamaica (1997). See page 54 at the website https://www.biodiv.org/doc/world/jm/jm-nbsap-01- p5-en.pdf.

Jamaica Bird Watch
The recordings are from the Macaulay Library at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, click for details