Papilio homerus
WINGSPAN Average of 15cm (6in)
HABITAT Remote areas with difficult terrain, wet limestone forests
DISTRIBUTION Jamaica
LIFESPAN 5 to 6 months
MALES AND FEMALES The females are larger and have more yellow on their wing patterns than the males
The largest swallowtail butterfly in the Western Hemisphere, this beauty is under threat from habitat loss and collecting. It inhabits isolated areas, mainly in the mountains of Eastern Jamaica where the male butterflies can grow up to 75mm (3in). A gentle giant, this peaceful creature feeds on the leaves of trees and flowers. Scientists are working out how best to conserve this flagship species in the wild.