Tiger Swallowtail |
This magnificent family (Papilionidae) of large butterflies is loved by many, and includes more than 600 species worldwide.
Fewer than 30 specifies live in North America.
Most (not all) of these large, brightly colored butterflies feature tails on their hind wings. These tail-like appendages resemble the tails of swallow family of birds, hence their name.
Swallowtails feed on flowers, and can often be found in mud or damp sand where they sip dissolved minerals and salts. They beat their wings rapidly when feeding on nectar, as a balancing technique.
The eggs are spherical in shape and pale green in color, and darken over time.
The young caterpillars of Tiger, Black, Spicebush, Anise and Giant swallowtails all appear to be bird droppings.
Caterpillars evolve into incredible colors and some adopt false eyespots (see photo to the right) as a defense mechanism.
Spicebush Swallowtail Caterpillar |
The caterpillars have an osmeterium, a forked shaped gland that can be extended from behind the head as another defense mechanism. This glad emits a foul smell to repel potential predators. Pupae are generally brown or green.
In North America, swallowtails fall into four general groups:
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 |
The identification chart below compares the colors and features of common Swallowtail butterflies.
Click on any image to enlarge and learn more about a particular Swallowtail species.
Need butterfly gardening inspiration? Visit these beautiful gardens on our other website! |
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