Possesses a highly striking and elegant wing pattern, characterized by a wingspan ranging between 70 and 80 millimeters. The background color of the wings is a deep, velvety black. On the forewings, a distinct oblique band of creamy white spots stands out, while the hindwings, which feature scalloped margins and lack true tails, exhibit a conspicuous row of marginal spots of a bright carmine red or vibrant pink color alongside a central white patch. Subtle sexual dimorphism is present; females are generally slightly larger, with more rounded wing profiles and broader, more diffuse white markings. The larvae of this species display a robust, dark-colored body adorned with fleshy tubercles that serve as a visual warning of their toxicity.

Geographical distribution: Is primarily distributed throughout the eastern region of South America. Its geographic range spans extensive areas of Brazil, stretching from the state of Bahia south to Rio Grande do Sul, extending into eastern Paraguay, and reaching the extreme northeast of Argentina, particularly within the Misiones province. Its presence is intimately linked to the conservation of the neotropical forest ecosystems of the Atlantic coast.

Habitat: Primarily inhabits the Atlantic Forest biome, showing a clear preference for humid understory environments, forest trail edges, riparian forests, and well-preserved secondary vegetation areas. It is also possible to observe this species in urban parks and botanical gardens located near forest remnants, provided that the necessary host plants for its life cycle are present along with a canopy that offers dappled sunlight and shaded patches.

Feeding: In its adult stage, it is an active pollinator that feeds mainly on the nectar of a wide variety of wild flowers, showing a strong preference for species within the families Verbenaceae (such as those of the genus Lantana), Rubiaceae, and Asteraceae. Conversely, the larvae have a strictly phytophagous and specialized diet, feeding exclusively on plants of the genus Aristolochia (commonly known as pipevines), such as Aristolochia triangularis and Aristolochia arcuata. From these host plants, the caterpillars sequester toxic chemical compounds used as a passive defense mechanism against predators.

Behavior: Is characterized by a slow, undulating, low-altitude flight pattern, typically performed along shaded trails and near watercourses. Males actively patrol these corridors during the warmest hours of the day in search of receptive females. This species exhibits a pronounced aposematic behavior, utilizing its contrasting black, white, and red coloration as a warning signal to visual predators, particularly birds, communicating that it possesses an extremely unpalatable taste and high levels of systemic toxicity acquired during its larval stage.

Reproduction: The reproductive process begins with a ritualized aerial courtship where the male hovers near the female, releasing stimulating sex pheromones. Following copulation, the female deposits small, spherical yellowish-orange eggs individually on the underside of young leaves or apical buds of Aristolochia host plants. Upon hatching, the larvae voraciously consume the foliage and accumulate aristolochic acids, which are highly toxic substances. After completing larval development, the caterpillar seeks a sheltered location to pupate, forming a green or brown chrysalis with a cryptic shape that mimics a dead leaf or twig, ensuring effective camouflage during metamorphosis until the emergence of the new adult.

Conservation status: At a global level, this species is not classified under an imminent threat of extinction and is generally considered common within its distribution range. However, local populations face constant pressure due to habitat fragmentation caused by urbanization and deforestation of the Atlantic Forest. In certain regional red lists in southern Brazil, it is classified under categories of concern due to the decline of Aristolochia host plants, upon which it strictly depends for its survival.