The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 10th edition of Systema Naturae, published in 1758.

The top of the wings are black with a broad submarginal band formed by large yellow spots.

The undersides of the forewings have the same pattern, while the hindwings have a submarginal row of red lunules.

The larvae feed on Aristolochia plant species.It is found in the Neotropical realm throughout Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the southern United States (in Texas and Florida).

[3] Battus polydamas is mainly present in open woods and abandoned fields.