Species Insects & ArthropodsZebra Swallowtail

Zebra Swallowtail

Eurytides marcellus

UncommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Zebra Swallowtail (Eurytides marcellus)

The Zebra Swallowtail is instantly recognizable by its black-and-white zebra stripes and dramatically long, narrow tails, making it one of the most elegant eastern butterflies. It is closely tied to pawpaw trees, the sole larval host plant, and is therefore restricted to areas where pawpaw grows. Spring and summer forms differ noticeably in wing pattern and size.

Habitat
Riparian woodlands and forest edges with pawpaw
Diet
Larvae: pawpaw leaves exclusively. Adults: nectar and mud
How common
Uncommon

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