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Palamedes Swallowtail
Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly Coloration, Characteristics and Size
The Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) is a large black, brightly marked butterfly.
Both sexes are similarly marked, with rounded brownish black wings rimmed with yellow spots and crossed by another broad V-shaped yellow band. The underside of the wing has an orange stripe parallel with the body. It is similar to the Spicebush Swallowtail and Black Swallowtail but wing patterns are somewhat different.
Its wingspan is in the 3.5"- 5.5" range.
Distribution and Habitat
This butterfly is a common visitor to moist wooded areas and swamps, and will roost communally in oaks and palmetto trees.
It is found along the Gulf coast from Texas to Florida, and up the Atlantic coast thru the Carolinas.
Nectar and Host Plants Used by the Palamedes Swallowtail
Favorite nectar plants of the Palamedes Swallowtail include sweet pepperbush, thistles, blue flag, azalea, pentas, and verbena.
Among its hosts are plants of the Laurel family, especially Red Bay.
Palamedes Swallowtail Life Cycle Stages and Times
| Stage | Typical Duration |
| Egg stage | Generally 4 to 10 days, depending on temperature and host plant |
| Caterpillar (larval) stage | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Chrysalis (pupal) stage | 10 to 20 days (except for overwintering pupae) |
| Adult butterfly stage | 6 to 14 days |
Photos of Palamedes Swallowtail Butterflies
Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly (ventral view) |
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Palamedes Swallowtail Butterfly (dorsal view) |
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| Photo by and courtesy of AbbeyPrivate at Flickr |
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