Zebra Swallowtail

Eurytides marcellus

Look for the Zebra Swallowtail in low wet areas; this is where its favorite food plant the Pawpaw grows. This species has the longest tails of any North American swallowtail, although the first generation to emerge in early spring is smaller, with shorter tails. Zebra Swallowtails have shorter tongues than other large butterflies, so they prefer to drink nectar from flat-topped flowers like daisies. The caterpillars of this butterfly are known to eat other caterpillars, including their own kind.

Look For : Long tails; greenish-white wings with black stripes; hind wings have red and blue spots above tails.

Length : 2 1/2-4 1/2".

Habitat : Wooded streams, marshes, swamps.

Range : East.