Battus polydamas are mainly present in open woods and abandoned fields.
   They fly from April - November in three generations in the north of its range, and throughout the year in several generations in the tropics.
    Adults display a black base color. The dorsal side, when wings are open, features light yellow bands and spots, while the ventral side presents a similar black base adorned with yellow and red spots and lines, visible when the wings are closed.
   The Polydamas swallowtail is one of only two United States swallowtails of the genus Battus.

   They are the only swallowtail in the United States without tails.

   They do not exhibit visible sexual dimorphism, making males and females largely indistinguishable solely by appearance alone.

   Their flight is characterized as slow to moderate, a pattern that allows for their detailed observation in natural settings.

    Males practice hill topping, an activity that involves the males flying to the highest point of a hill or ridge.

   It’s essentially a competition with each male trying to be the ‘king of the hill’. These high points serve as a stage for them to attract a female for mating. It is a common courting behavior among butterflies.

    When a potential mate approaches, the male will take off and engage in an aerial dance around the female. This acrobatic display aids in attracting the female and,helps to fend off competition from other males.

   Once the female is suitably impressed with the male’s performance, she will allow him to mate. After the act, the female will start her solitary journey.

   Typically, they will live for approximately 2 to 5 weeks, depending on a variety of factors