Locally referred to as the “Ruby Swallowtail” or “Red-bodied Swallowtail,” the Parides anchisiades is among the most striking butterflies in our islands.

This species, a proud member of the swallowtail family (Papilionidae), is native to the wider Neotropical region but finds a particularly vibrant home here in Trinidad and Tobago. Its velvety black wings, accented by vivid crimson spots, are not just for beauty; they serve as a natural defence, warning predators of its unpalatable chemistry gained from its caterpillar diet of pipevine (Aristolochia) plants.

Often seen in gardens, forest edges, and along flowering trails, the Ruby Swallowtail plays an important role in local biodiversity and serves as a living emblem of Tobago’s natural heritage. Visitors exploring sites such as the Main Ridge Forest Reserve or coastal nature trails frequently encounter this butterfly, making it a highlight for eco-travellers and wildlife photographers alike.

Its presence reminds us that Tobago’s story is not only written in its beaches and reefs, but also in the delicate wings of creatures that connect us to the deeper rhythms of the Caribbean’s natural world.