Papilio palamedes

Description

The Palamedes Swallowtail (Papilio palamedes) is a large, dark swallowtail butterfly native to the southeastern United States. It is characterized by its dark brown to black wings adorned with pale yellow spots and streaks, and a prominent, slender tail on each hindwing. Adults are often found in swampy areas, cypress swamps, and wet woodlands, where their primary host plants, sweetbay (Magnolia virginiana) and redbay (Persea borbonia), grow. They are known for their strong, gliding flight.