Giant Swallowtail
Common NameGiant Swallowtail
Scientific NamePapilio cresphontes
FamilyPapilionidae
SubfamilyPapilioninae
Wingspan (mm)130
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, citrus groves, gardens, fields, forest edges
Geographic RangeSouthern United States, Mexico, Central America, Caribbean; occasionally strays north into Canada
Host PlantsCitrus species, Prickly Ash, Hoptree, Torchwood
Flight PeriodMultiple broods from March to November in southern regions, June to September further north
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae are brown and white, resembling bird droppings, feeding on citrus and other Rutaceae. Pupae are chrysalides, camouflaged as twigs, typically green or brown depending on the substrate.
Identification TipsIts exceptionally large size, black wings with broad yellow bands and spots, and the presence of tails on the hindwings are key identifiers. The underside of the wings features more extensive yellow markings.
Description
A very large, black swallowtail butterfly characterized by a prominent diagonal band of bright yellow spots across both forewings and hindwings, and a row of yellow spots along the hindwing margins.
