Life cycle of rare Schaus' swallowtail butterflies
Endangered Schaus' swallowtail butterflies are found only on Elliott Key within Biscayne National Park in South Florida.
In 2012, the Schaus' swallowtail faced near extinction, with only four being counted in the wild. Eggs were collected and brought to the University of Florida to try to save the species.
Scientists recently released eleven adult females, four males and more than 300 larvae back to their natural habitat.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
The female butterfly lays pinhead-sized eggs on wild lime between April and June.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
Up to ten days later, larvae emerge and mature into caterpillars after three to four weeks.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
The caterpillars can grow up to three inches in length.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
The caterpillars then pupate and remain in their chrysalis until the following spring.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
Empty chrysalis after caterpillar emerges as a butterfly.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
The butterflies have a wingspan of up to 3.75 inches.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
There is only one generation of this species every year.
Schaus' swallowtail butterfly
University of Florida lead researcher Jaret Daniels holding a Schaus' swallowtail.