Palamedes Swallowtail
ExploreInsects
Palamedes Swallowtail
Papilio palamedes
The Palamedes Swallowtail is a beautiful butterfly with big, colorful wings. It loves to flutter around flowers and is often seen near water. Its bright colors make it a special sight in nature!
Habitat: Wetlands
Appearance
The Palamedes Swallowtail has striking black wings adorned with two distinct rows of bright yellow spots. Its hindwings feature a single, prominent tail-like projection, distinguishing it from other swallowtails in its range.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyPapilionidaeGenusPapilio
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Its caterpillars are picky eaters, only munching on leaves from a few special trees.
These butterflies love to gather around muddy puddles to drink salty minerals.
They are named after Palamedes, a clever hero from ancient Greek myths!
Unlike many butterflies, Palamedes Swallowtails prefer to fly in swampy, wet forests.
Special abilities
Ability
Stink Defense
Palamedes Swallowtail larvae can shoot out a smelly, orange organ (osmeterium) that helps them scare away hungry predators.
Ability
Leafy Disguise
The young Palamedes Swallowtail caterpillar has camouflage, looking like bird droppings to hide from birds looking for a meal.
Ability
Swift Flight
Palamedes Swallowtails have powerful wings that allow for fast, erratic flight, helping them escape from dangers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 100-130 mm
- Size
- 35-45 mm
- Lifespan
- 10-20 days
- Flight Speed
- 20 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
Adults sip sweet flower nectar; young caterpillars munch on tree leaves!
Age differences: Larvae consume leaves from specific host trees, while adults feed exclusively on flower nectar.
Primary Foods
- Nectar
- Red Bay leaves
- Sweetbay Magnolia leaves
- Sassafras leaves
- Thistle flowers
- Buttonbush flowers
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Wetland
This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Palamedes Butterfly
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch butterflies from a distance and don't try to catch them.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palamedes Swallowtail's wingspan?
100-130 mm
How big is Palamedes Swallowtail?
35-45 mm
How long does Palamedes Swallowtail live?
10-20 days
How fast can Palamedes Swallowtail fly?
20 km/h
What does Palamedes Swallowtail eat?
Adults sip sweet flower nectar; young caterpillars munch on tree leaves!
Where is Palamedes Swallowtail usually found?
Wetlands
How does Palamedes Swallowtail hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Palamedes Swallowtail have?
6
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
