Battus zetides

Description

Battus zetides, the zetides swallowtail, is a species of butterfly in the family Papilionidae. It is found in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Battus zetides has on the upper surface of both wings a yellowish band, and on the under surface of the hindwing a silver band. Known only from high elevations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Said to be "locally common under the right conditions and at the right times of year" but regarded also as a rare species. It is represented in few collections and specimens are sold at high prices. Originally described as zetes (Westwood, 1847) as the common name suggests. This name had already been used by Carl Linnaeus for Papilio zetes Linnaeus, 1758 and had to be replaced as it was a junior homonym.