Papilio homerus
EN

Papilio homerus

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papilio_homerus

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Papilio homerus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across Jamaica's Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Hurricane damage has repeatedly destroyed critical forest patches, while agricultural expansion and urban development continue to reduce available habitat. The species' dependence on specific host plants makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.

Threat summary

Habitat

This large swallowtail butterfly inhabits montane rainforests and cloud forests in Jamaica's Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains, typically at elevations between 500-2000 meters. The species requires intact forest canopy and depends on specific Rutaceae host plants for reproduction.

Other threatened species in PAPILIONIDAE

Ludlow's Bhutan GloryEN

Ludlow's Bhutan Glory

Bhutanitis ludlowi

Unknown
VU

Papilio natewa

Unknown
VU

Talaud Black Birdwing

Troides dohertyi

Unknown
VU

Papilio carolinensis

Unknown

Threatened in Jamaica

Oriente Yellow-mottled FrogVU

Oriente Yellow-mottled Frog

Eleutherodactylus ricordii

Declining
Humped BladderwortCR

Humped Bladderwort

Utricularia gibba

Unknown
VU

Broadstripe Goby

Elacatinus prochilos

Unknown
VU

Hildebrand's Goby

Gobiosoma hildebrandi

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Papilio homerus classified as Endangered?
Papilio homerus is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Papilio homerus faces severe pressure from deforestation and habitat fragmentation across Jamaica's Blue Mountains and John Crow Mountains. Hurricane damage has repeatedly destroyed critical forest patches, while agricultural expansion and urban development continue to reduce available habitat. The species' dependence on specific host plants makes it particularly vulnerable to localized habitat destruction.
Where does Papilio homerus live?
Papilio homerus occurs in Jamaica. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Papilio homerus?
The main threats to Papilio homerus are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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